In 2026, the UK Youth Mobility Scheme will be available to eligible applicants from Taiwan and Hong Kong (SAR passport holders) through a distinctive ballot system. Each country will receive 1,000 places annually. The initial ballot was conducted in early February, allocating 800 Taiwan places and the majority of Hong Kong slots. The second ballot will be available from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 15, 2026, to 00:01 on Thursday, July 17, 2026, local time. Each ballot will last for 48 hours and necessitate a single email entry in a strict format that includes the name, date of birth, passport number, and mobile number.
What Is the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)?
The Young Mobility Scheme (YMS) enables individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 from eligible countries to reside, travel, and work in the United Kingdom without requiring job sponsorship. It is your passport to life-changing cultural experiences, career opportunities, and new excursions in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
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Who Needs to Enter the July 2026 Ballot?
If you’re a passport holder from:
- Hong Kong (SAR passport)
- Taiwan
️ Ballot Details Are Revealed for July 2026:
| Criteria | Information |
|---|---|
| Ballot Window Opens | 15 July 2026 at 00:01am (local time) |
| Ballot Window Closes | 17 July 2026 at 00:01am (local time) |
| Total Spots Available | 1,000 for Hong Kong and 1,000 for Taiwan |
| Notification of Results | By 1 August 2026 |
| Visa Application Deadline | Within 90 days of successful ballot selection |
| Visa Duration | 2 years |
| Age Eligibility | 18 to 30 years old |
How to Enter the Ballot – It’s Simple but Strict?
Begin by composing your email in English in order to participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot. The subject line of your email must adhere to the following format: Passport Number – Lastname Firstname – DD/MM/YYYY. For instance, Wong Janet – 31/03/2000 – 123456789. Include your full name, date of birth, passport number, and mobile phone number in the email’s body. Ensure that all information is precise and comprehensive. Each individual is permitted to submit only one ballot entry; any duplicate submissions will be disqualified. Therefore, it is imperative to verify the information before clicking “send.”
Apply: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/youth-mobility-scheme-visa-ballot-system.
If You’re Selected…
- By August 1, 2026, you will receive notification.
- Submit biometrics, pay the visa fee, and apply within 90 days.
- Instead of a badge in your passport, you will receive an eVisa.
- Typically, a decision is rendered within three weeks.
If You’re Not Selected…
- A rejection email will be sent to you within two weeks of the ballot’s closing.
- There are no appeals permitted; however, there is no need for concern. As long as you remain eligible, you may attempt to participate in subsequent ballots.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the ballot for?
Young people from Hong Kong (SAR passport holders) and Taiwan must enter a ballot (lottery) to secure a Youth Mobility Scheme visa due to high demand exceeding available slots
When are the ballots in 2026?
First ballot: February 2026 (now closed)
Second ballot: Opens 00:01 AM on July 15, 2026 and closes 00:01 AM on July 17, 2026 (local time per region)Who must enter the ballot?
Required: Hong Kong SAR passport holders, Taiwan nationals
Exempt: Nationals of Japan, South Korea (can apply anytime), British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Nationals (Overseas)
Indian applicants are in a separate India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) ballot
