First ballot of the 2023 Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) for Hong Kong SAR passport holders
The first ballot for this year’s YMS will open in January
As in previous years there are a total of 1,000 places available to Hong Kong youth for 2023.
The majority of places are allocated in this first ballot in January, while the remaining places will be made available in a second ballot in July 2023. If your application is successful you will be able to live, work and study in the UK for up to 2 years.
How to apply for the ballot
If you would like to be in with the chance to apply for the scheme you should send one email per applicant to: hongkong.yms2023@fcdo.gov.uk between 00:01am (one minute past midnight) on Tuesday 17 January 2023 and 00:01am on Thursday 19 January 2023 (Hong Kong time).
The header or subject line of your email must contain your name, date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY) and passport number as shown in your passport.
This must be written in English only.
For example: WONG Janet - 31/03/2000 - Passport123456789
The main body of your email should include the following information, written in English:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Passport Number
- Mobile phone number
The email account will only be open for 48 hours and all emails received within this timeframe will be sent an automated reply confirming receipt. Please remember to check your junk inboxes.
Once the ballot closes, allocations for the remaining places will be chosen at random by UKVI. If you have been successful a second email will be sent to you by Friday 20 January to confirm acceptance and provide further instructions on how start your application, along with documentary evidence required to apply for your entry clearance.
Please note successful applicants must prepare online applications and online credit card payments no later than 19 February 2023. Failure to submit your payment online by this date will automatically remove your name from the list and your allocation will be retracted. After you have paid online you then have 90 days to book your appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and submit your paperwork for consideration.
If you are a Hong Kong SAR passport holder living overseas you can also apply following the instructions above, and if you are chosen to apply you will be able to do so in your country/territory of residence. Applications cannot be submitted for the Youth Mobility Scheme in the UK.
If you’re unsuccessful you will receive an email by 20 January and no further action is required.
Further information about the scheme can be found on gov.uk and any enquiries relating to the application process, online application forms and questions in general should be directed to the UKVI International Enquiry Line.
Additional information
British National (Overseas) passport holders are already eligible to apply for a visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme to the UK and are not subject to any quota or sponsorship requirements.