Visa snapshot
Verified on 10 June 2026Work and study
- Work rights
- Work in most jobs; self-employment allowed only if premises rented, equipment worth under GBP5,000, and no employees. Cannot work as professional sportsperson. No public funds.
- Study rights
- Study allowed; ATAS certificate needed for some courses
Funds and health
- Funds required
- GBP 2,530 in savings (28-day rule)
- Levy or extra cost
- Immigration Health Surcharge GBP 776/year (GBP 1,552 for 2 years) - gives full NHS access
Extensions
- Further stay
- Available, conditions apply
Quota or ballot
- Allocation
- 2025 published allocation: 6,000. 2026 NOT yet published
- No ballot
Reciprocal healthcare
- Agreement in place
- Yes
- (effectively) - full NHS access from visa start after paying IHS; prescriptions/dental/eye tests still paid
On this page
Eligibility at a glance
- Passport: This route is for Japanese citizens, so you must apply on a valid Japanese passport.
- Age: You must be aged 18 to 30 when you apply, not when you travel.
- Funds: GBP 2,530 in savings (28-day rule)
- Health: Must meet UK health requirements
Eligibility and conditions
Who can apply
GBP 2,530 savings held 28 consecutive days (day 28 within 31 days of applying). Cannot apply if children under 18 live with you or you are financially responsible for them. One YMS per lifetime. No certificate of sponsorship. Can apply up to 6 months before travel; decision ~3 weeks.
- Japan passport holder
- Aged 18 to 30 at time of application
- Sufficient funds: GBP 2,530 in savings (28-day rule)
General conditions
Fee GBP340; IHS GBP776/yr (GBP1,552 for 2 yrs) gives full NHS access. GBP2,530 savings held 28 consecutive days. No dependants; cannot apply if children under 18 live with you or you are financially responsible for them; one YMS per lifetime. Ballot only for Hong Kong + Taiwan (1,000 places each, 2026).
Age limit
Age 18 to 30.
Length and stay
24 months only, no extension.
Ballot
NO ballot: Japanese nationals no longer need to enter the ballot (gov.uk ballot guidance, updated 11 February 2026).
Extensions
Third visa extension
+1 year extension ONLY for Australia, Canada, New Zealand nationals (fee GBP319 + IHS GBP776; once only; apply in UK within 28 days of expiry). Japan/Korea cannot extend.
Important application rules
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the UK Government's official visa portal. Processing typically takes 3 weeks.
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