Are you a Veterinary Surgeon or a Registered Veterinary Nurse looking for an opportunity to live and work in the UK? The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa could be your perfect route to gaining international experience, exploring the UK, and working in veterinary roles without the constraints of a traditional work visa. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme and how to apply.

Are you a Veterinary Surgeon or a Registered Veterinary Nurse looking for an opportunity to live and work in the UK? The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa could be your perfect route to gaining international experience, exploring the UK, and working in veterinary roles without the constraints of a traditional work visa. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme and how to apply. 

1. What is the Youth Mobility Scheme?

The YMS visa allows young professionals from eligible countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Unlike other work visas, you don’t need a job offer to apply, and once in the UK, you can work in a permanent or locum role without any minimum salary requirements.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be aged 18 to 30 from one of these countries:

  • Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay

  • Hong Kong and Taiwan (must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before applying)

or

• Be aged 18 to 35 from one of these countries:

  • Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea

• Have at least £2,530 in savings (held for 28 consecutive days before applying).

• Not have children who live with you or are financially dependent on you.

RCVS Registration

To work as a Veterinary Surgeon or Registered Veterinary Nurse in the UK, you must be qualified and registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

2. How Much Does It Cost?

When applying for the YMS visa, you will need to:

• Pay the application fee (£298)

• Pay the healthcare surcharge (usually £776 per year)

• Prove you have £2,530 in personal savings 

3. How Long Can You Stay?

• The visa is valid for up to 24 months.

• You can enter and leave the UK freely during this time.

• If you’re from Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, you can extend your visa for one more year after the initial two-year period. 

4. What Are the Restrictions?

You Can:

✔ Work in most jobs, including veterinary roles.

✔ Study (some courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate). 

✔ Be self-employed and set up a company (with some limitations on premises, equipment value, and employees).

You Cannot:

✖ Work as a professional sportsperson (including coaching). 

✖ Access public funds. 

✖ Include family members in your application (they must apply separately).

5. What Documents Do You Need to Provide?

• A valid passport or other proof of identity.

• A bank statement showing you have at least £2,530 in savings.

• A blank page in your passport for the visa.

• A certified translation of any documents not in English or Welsh.

Additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.

6. How to Prove Your Identity & Submit Documents

When applying, you’ll need to verify your identity. Depending on your nationality and passport type, you’ll either:

• Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document and create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

• Attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll be guided on what’s required when you start your application.

7. How Long Does the Process Take?

• You can apply up to 6 months before you travel.

  • Example: If you plan to travel on 15 July, you can apply from 16 January.

• You may need to attend an appointment to provide biometric information, which can add extra processing time.

• Once your application is submitted and documents are provided, you should receive a decision within 3 weeks.

Final Thoughts

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is an exciting opportunity for veterinary professionals to gain international experience, work flexibly, and explore the UK. Whether you’re looking to locum, take on a permanent role, or just experience life in a new country, this visa provides the freedom to do so on your own terms.

For official details and updates, always refer to the UK government’s visa guidance or consult an immigration advisor.