All ballots for the 2026 Youth Mobility Scheme have now closed, according to GOV.UK, which says details of the next ballot in 2027 will be published on its ballot page. The scheme's first 2026 ballot was held in February and the second in July, and there will be no further ballots in 2026. The update matters for young applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan, who must be selected in a ballot before they can apply, while Japanese and South Korean nationals no longer need to enter a ballot and can apply at any time.

Who the scheme covers

For 2026, there were 1,000 places available for nationals of Hong Kong and 1,000 places for nationals of Taiwan, with most places allocated during the February ballot and the remaining places allocated in July. Entering the ballot is free, with only one entry per person, and any duplicates are not counted. Entries are made by email within a 48-hour window, and applicants receive an automated reply confirming their entry, with the email subject line required to show their name, date of birth and passport number.

What applicants should do next

The visa itself costs £340, according to the GOV.UK ballot page, and applicants should only enter a ballot if they plan to apply. With no further 2026 ballots planned, anyone who missed both windows will need to watch for the 2027 ballot details rather than submitting a late entry for 2026. This article is general information only, not personal immigration advice; applicants should check the current GOV.UK guidance for their nationality and circumstances before applying.

Sources: GOV.UK Youth Mobility Scheme ballot system.