UK Visa & Entry Information

Planning a gap year in the UK? Whether you’ve got a British passport or need to apply for a visa, we’re here to help you navigate the process with ease and confidence.

For British & Irish Passport Holders 🇬🇧 / 🇮🇪

If you’re travelling on a British or Irish passport, you do not need a visa to live and work in the UK. Just make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay.

Need a new one? Apply early — processing times can vary, and delays might affect your departure.

For Visa Applicants 🌍

If you don’t hold a British or Irish passport, you’ll need to apply for a UK visa before you go. Please follow the relevant steps below based on your visa type and passport nationality.

IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE

As part of your visa application, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This is a mandatory fee that is imposed by the UK Government. This fee allows you to access the National Health Service (NHS) for the full duration of your visa  while you’re living in the UK. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa: £ 1,552.00
• UK Ancestry Visa: £ 5,175.00

For more details on the IHS, check out this link.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR VISA?

Even a tiny mistake can delay your application — or worse, get it declined. That’s why we highly recommend using a professional visa service.

We work closely with the team at Restless World, who can help guide you through the entire visa process.

Use code LETZLIVE to receive discounted service fees.
👉 Visit: www.restlessworld.com.au

IMPORTANT APPLICATION TIPS

• Triple-check your information before submitting your visa application.
• The NHS surcharge (IHS) must be paid in full at the time of application.
• Your bank statement must show at least £2,530 in your own name, in your own account, for a minimum of 28 days. We would suggest you have roughly $6,000 AUD / NDZ to cover currently fluctuations 
• There is ZERO flexibility — mistakes will cost you a full re-application and could delay your departure.
• Visa timelines:
  • Youth Mobility Scheme: Apply up to 6 months before travel.
  • UK Ancestry Visa: Apply up to 3 months before travel.

Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) Visa

Available to Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian passport holders aged 18–35

Application Steps:

1. Start your application at: https://www.gov.uk/tier-5-youth-mobility
2. Select:
   • Reason for Visit: Work
   • Visa Type: Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) Visa
   • Visa Sub Type: Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) Migrant
3. Complete the application form accurately.
4. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and visa fees using a credit card.
5. Book a biometric appointment in Australia or New Zealand. Centres include Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
6. Print, sign, and date your completed application form and biometric appointment confirmation.
7. Attend your biometric appointment with the required documents. Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Required Documents:

• VFS Global payment receipt
• Current and previous passports
• Proof of funds showing at least £2,530 held in your own name, in your own account, for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. The statement must be dated on or after the application submission date.
• Parental permission letter (if under 18)
• Your UK placement address (to use when asked for a UK address)

You can apply for this visa up to 6 months before your intended travel date.

UK Ancestry Visa

Available to applicants with a UK-born grandparent – often used by South African passport holders

Application Steps:

1. Begin your application at: https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk
2. Select:
   • Reason for Visit: Work
   • Visa Type: Non Points-Based Working Visas
   • Visa Sub Type: UK Ancestry
3. Complete the application form.
4. Create an account with TLScontact at https://www.uk.tlscontact.com and book a biometric appointment in South Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, or Pretoria).
5. Pay your IHS and visa fees via credit card.
6. Schedule a tuberculosis (TB) screening and obtain a certificate of clearance from an authorised clinic.
7. Print, sign, and date your completed visa application and appointment confirmation.
8. Attend your biometric appointment with all required documents. Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Required Documents:

• VFS Global payment receipt
• Current and previous passports
• Your UK-born grandparent’s original or registry birth certificate
• Your parent’s original or registry birth certificate
• Your own original or registry birth certificate
• Your parent’s marriage certificate (if their surname differs from your grandparent’s)
• A letter of appointment from your UK host or a copy of your CV
• A bank statement showing at least £2,530 in your name, held for 28 consecutive days. The statement must be dated on or after your application submission date.
• TB clearance certificate
• Parental permission letter (if under 18)

Helpful Hints:

• Use your UK host/employer address if asked for a UK address.
• List your full place of birth, including city/town and province/state.
• You do not yet have a UK National Insurance Number.
• You are not applying under the HSMP Forum.

You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before your intended arrival. For official details, visit https://www.gov.uk/ancestry-visa.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a UK visa doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right preparation — and help from experts like Restless World — you’ll be on your way to an unforgettable overseas working holiday in no time.

Whether you’re applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme or UK Ancestry Visa, Letz Live is here to guide you through the process.