UK Youth Mobility Scheme 2026: Final Ballot for Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwanese Opens 14 July – Last Opportunity for 24-Month UK Stay
- Xavi
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 23
London, 23 June 2026 — The UK Home Office has confirmed that the second and final Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) ballot for 2026 for Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwanese nationals will open on 14 July 2026 and close on 16 July 2026.
This ballot offers one of the last opportunities this year for eligible young people from these regions to secure a place under the scheme, which allows successful applicants to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom for up to 24 months.
Key Details of the 2026 Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot
Ballot Period: Opens at 00:01 (UTC+8) on 14 July 2026 and closes at 00:01 (UTC+8) on 16 July 2026.
Places Available: Each group (Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwanese) has a total annual quota of 1,000 places. Most were allocated in the February 2026 ballot, with the remainder available in this final round.
Duration of Stay: Successful applicants receive a 24-month visa allowing them to live, work (self-employed or employed), and study in the UK.
Eligibility:
Aged 18–30 at the time of travel
Savings of at least £2,530
No children under 18 living with or financially supported by the applicant
Application Window: Selected candidates have 90 days to submit their full visa application, pay fees, and provide biometrics.
Cost: Entering the ballot is free. The visa application fee is £340 (plus Immigration Health Surcharge).
How the Ballot Works
Submit your ballot entry via the official email process when the window opens.
If selected, you will be notified and given 90 days to complete the full visa application.
Those not selected in this final ballot will have no further opportunities under the 2026 quota.
Why This Matters
The Youth Mobility Scheme provides a unique, relatively straightforward pathway for young people from participating countries and territories to gain valuable international experience in the UK. For Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwanese nationals, it serves as an important mobility option amid evolving global opportunities.
Practical Advice for Applicants
Prepare Early: Have your documents (passport, proof of funds, etc.) ready before the ballot opens.
Check Eligibility Carefully: Ensure you meet the age, savings, and family criteria.
Submit Promptly: The ballot window is very short (only 48 hours).
Monitor Official Channels: Use only the authorised UK government portals and avoid unofficial agents.
Official Application Process: Details and the ballot submission method will be available on the UK Government website and via the designated email process when the ballot opens on 14 July 2026.
Visit for the most recent updates on the UK Youth Mobility Scheme, ballot results for Hong Kong and Taiwan, visa application advice, and immigration news for 2026: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/uk
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