Changes To The UK Youth Mobility Scheme For Kiwis

New UK Visa Announcement

Changes to the UK Youth Mobility Scheme for Kiwis are due to come into effect sooner than expected, after being negotiated alongside the NZ UK Free Trade Agreement in 2022. This is good news for young Kiwis and Brits wanting to swap countries.

Earlier today, the UK and NZ Governments announced changes to their reciprocal working holiday schemes which make it easy for young Kiwis and Brits to work in each other’s countries. Here’s what each government had to say about the latest UK Youth Mobility Visa changes:

NZ Govt announcement – Working Holiday Visa

UK Govt announcement – Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Changes to the UK Youth Mobility Visa for Kiwis

From 29 June 2023, the age limit for Kiwis eligible to use the UK Youth Mobility Scheme to live and work in the UK will increase from 30 to 35 years. They will now be able to stay in the UK for an extra year, an increase from 2 to 3 years.

The new conditions of the scheme are reciprocated for young Brits heading to New Zealand under the United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa. The age eligibility will increase from 30 to 35 years. Working rights are also increased to three years under changes due to come into effect in July 2023.

Current Visa Holders

While the NZ government has announced that UK Working Holiday visa holders currently in New Zealand will have the opportunity to extend their stay, the UK government has not stated if Kiwis in the UK on the current 2-year Youth Mobility Scheme visa will be able to stay for another year.

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Australian Job Seekers

An announcement on the timing of similar changes to the UK Youth Mobility Scheme for young Australian citizens negotiated between the Australian and UK governments is yet to be made.

We will provide further information as additional details are announced.

Bernie Kelly

10 March 2023