UK Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 for Hong Kong SAR passport holders: second ballot
Second ballot for this year’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) opening in September.
The UK/Hong Kong Youth Mobility Scheme is now in its seventh year and allows young people aged between 18 and 30 to live, work or study in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years. The second ballot for the Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 for Hong Kong SAR passport holders will launch in September. Unlike previous years the selection criteria has changed to a lottery based system managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). There will no longer be the requirement to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship.
This year there are 1,000 places in total available to HKSAR passport holders. The majority of places were allocated in first ballot which took place earlier in the year while the second ballot will be opened for the remainder of places. 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
If you would like to apply for the scheme you should send one email per applicant to: hongkongyms2020.ballotrequest@FCO.gov.uk between midday (12pm) on Monday 21 September 2020 to midday on Wednesday 23 September 2020 (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 - 31/01/1985 - Passport123456789.
In the main text of your email you should include the following and must be written in English:
- Name:
- Date of birth:
- Passport Number:
- Mobile phone number:
The email account will be open for 48 hours only and all emails received within this timeframe will be sent an automated reply confirming receipt. When the ballot has closed, the remaining amount of applicants will be chosen at random by UKVI. If you have been successful a second email will be sent to you by 30 September to confirm acceptance and provide further instructions on how to make an appointment, 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 30 October 2020. 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 on-line you have 90 days to submit your paperwork for consideration.
If you are a Hong Kong SAR passport holders 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 2020 in the UK. An email will be sent to unsuccessful applicants by 30 September to inform them they have not been chosen this year and that 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.
Further 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.
Last updated 21 September 2020 + show all updates
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Added translation
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Due to technical difficulties we have updated the email address for applicants to ensure their applications for the second ballot can reach us.
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Added translation