In January 2024, a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) for British and Uruguayan nationals was established. Every year the scheme allows 500 British and 500 Uruguayan nationals aged 18 to 30 years old to experience life and culture in each other’s country for a period of up to two years. It is the first YMS between the UK and a South American country.
If you are a Uruguayan citizen who would like to travel to the UK for an extended period of time as part of the YMS, you should apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa. The information about the process is as follows:
- applications to the YMS are online and you can apply from any country in the world, except from the UK
- you can apply if you are a Uruguayan National aged 18-30 years old and hold a Uruguayan passport
- you can spend up to two years in the UK, with multiple entries
- you can work but it is not compulsory - you can travel, study short courses or volunteer
- you do not need any language, job or skill requirements
- you must apply for a visa and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
- you need to demonstrate you have the equivalent to £2,530 in a bank account for at least the past 28 days before applying
- you need to get a Criminal Record Certificate - please request it for Consulate Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not the British Embassy
- you cannot apply if you have any dependants living with you or who are financially dependent on you at the time of application
- you must not have not previously taken part in the scheme.
Applicants will usually get a decision on their visa within three weeks.
For more information, please go to Youth Mobility Scheme visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or contact: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk.