Applying for your UK Visa has got to be one of the most annoying processes of all time. You’re constantly filling out forms, sending forms off, freaking out because you have one speeding ticket and you think that’ll stop you from getting into the country etc. So, I’ve decided the best way to help others, is to share exactly what I did, down to the last signed form.
This blog will help break down the steps for those who want to apply for the Tier 5 Temporary Worker (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa in New Zealand for relocation to the United Kingdom, who are between 18-30 years of age.
WHICH UK VISA DID I APPLY FOR?
I applied for the Tier 5 Temporary Worker (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa. This Visa is for anyone aged 18-30 who would like to work and travel in the UK. A common misconception is that you need a job before you apply for this visa, good news… you don’t! The only downside to this Visa is that you can only apply for and use it once, other than that it’s pretty much the perfect way for Kiwis to work and travel in and around Europe!
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE VISA:
- You need to be aged 18 – 30 years old.
- You need at least $3,700 (£1890) savings
- Want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years
- You’ll also need $465 for your Visa Application and $594 for the Immigration Health Surcharge, all of which you’ll have to pay online, straight away when you apply for your Visa.
You can not apply if you have children who live with you, children you are financially responsible for or have already been in the UK under the scheme or in the former ‘working holidaymaker’ category. So, if you meet all these requirements, you’re on your way to getting your Tier 5 Temporary Worker (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa!
YOU’RE ELIGIBLE, NOW WHAT?
I’d recommend applying for your visa, 2-3 months before your intended date to leave. Most requests (like your criminal convictions) take up to 20 working days (1 month). Once you’ve organised that, and you’re sure that the Youth Mobility Visa is perfect for you, you’ll need to start getting all your documents together. Here’s an overview (all of which is in order of what you should do at what time), and an explanation for each section.
- Savings of $3,700 NZD
The best way to work this out is to have a look at the exchange rate. You MUST have at least £1890 in savings at the time of your application and at your departure. - Date of your arrival in the UK
You don’t need to book your flights, but you should know the exact date give or take 10 days that you’ll arrive in the UK. - Apply for your visa online ($1059)
via this link: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-visa-type/tier5 – The Visa application will cost $465 and the Immigration Health Surcharge fee will cost you $594 for the full 2 years. The IHS covers your healthcare in the UK. You’ll be entitled to anything, any other resident is entitled to. It does exclude prescriptions, dental treatments, and eye tests. Click below for more information: https://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/888.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=154 - Book your biometrics test
You’ll be able to book your appointment while applying for your visa online. You’ll need to go to your local biometrics/immigration office. The Auckland one is: Auckland Immigration Branch is located at 280 Queen St, Auckland, 1010. - Doc #1: Print out your visa application
You’ll need to take this in with you when you go to your biometrics appointment in the city. (You’ll only need to bring your visa application to the biometrics appointment, but as soon as your biometrics are done, the day after you should send off all your documents to make sure you get your visa back in time!) - Doc #2: Original Bank Statement
This is to prove that you have the available funds required ($3,700) to live and work in the UK. They also check to make sure that you have saved this money, as they are very wary of loans. If you need to drop a lump sum into your bank account, you’ll have to write a letter explaining why. (You must send the original or you’ll need to get it printed and signed by your bank.) - Doc #3: Criminal Check (Justice Department)
Fill out this form https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Forms/request-by-individual.pdf, scan it and email it to criminalrecord@justice.govt.nz along with your New Zealand Passport or NZ License front and back. - Your NZ Passport
You must have a clear, double-sided page in your passport for your Visa. You also must be careful to check that your passport does not expire whilst you are in the UK. - 2x A4 NZ Post Bags ($25) with tracking on both and courier signature on arrival on the returning NZ Post Bag
After your biometrics appointment, you’ll need to send all the above (4 in total) documents, along with your physical passport to Immigrations. The NZ Post Bag must be tracked to the Immigration office, and the second bag must be placed inside the first (with your documents) with tracking, your address and (I recommend as it has your passport in it) a signature on arrival required.
TOTAL IN YOUR ACCOUNT WHEN APPLYING: $4,784
TOTAL FEES DUE: $1084
When you receive your documents and passport back, you’ll need to keep them in a safe place until you leave. All fun and games, a lot of running around and appointments, but in the end… it’s 100% worth it.
You’ll also need to remember to pick up your biometrics from your chosen Post Office in the UK within 10 days of arriving in the country.
I hope I’ve answered all your questions and made it that little bit easier to apply for your Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Visa)! If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask below!
