UK Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 for Japanese nationals: second ballot

The second ballot for the Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 for Japanese nationals will launch this month. Unlike previous years the selection criteria has changed to a lottery based system managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). There will no longer be the requirement to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship.

There are 1,000 places in total available to Japanese nationals in 2020. Approximately 800 applicants were selected for the first ballot earlier this year with the remaining places up for grabs in the second ballot in September. If your application is successful you will be able to live, work and study in the UK for up to 2 years.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the scheme you should send one email only to: JapanYMS2020.ballotrequest@fcdo.gov.uk between midday on Monday 21 September 2020 to midday Wednesday 23 September 2020, 12:00 pm (Japan time).

The email header or subject line must contain your name, date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY) and passport number as shown in your passport. This must be written in English only. For example: SUZUKI Miyu – 31/01/1995 – Passport 123456789.

In the main text of your email you should include the following and must be written in English:

• Name:
• Date of birth:
• Passport Number:
• Mobile phone number:

The email account will be open for 48 hours only and all emails received within this timeframe will be sent an automated reply confirming receipt.

When the email account has closed, the remaining amount of applicants will be chosen at random by UKVI. If you have been successful a second email will be sent to you by 30 September and this email will confirm acceptance and further instructions on how to make an appointment, along with documentary evidence required to apply for your entry clearance.

Please note successful applicants must prepare online applications and online credit card payments no later than 30 October 2020. Failure to submit your payment on-line by this date will automatically remove your name from the list and your allocation will be retracted. After you have paid on-line you have 90 days to submit your paperwork for consideration.

If you are living overseas you can also apply following the instructions above, and if you are chosen to apply you will be able to do so in your country/territory of residence. Applications cannot be submitted for the Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 in the UK. An email will be sent to unsuccessful customers by 30 September to inform them they have not been chosen and that no further action is required.