Work or study in the UK on a vacation visa for up to 2 years

By Wei Ruwei, compiled and reported

Starting January 1, 2012, the British Trade and Cultural Office will accept applications from Taiwanese aged 18–30 for the "Youth Travel Work Plan" (Youth Mobility Scheme; abbreviated as YMS). Successful applicants can live, work, or study in the UK, with a visa valid for up to 2 years and multiple entries allowed during that period.

James Sharp, Director of the Asia-Pacific Division at the UK Border Agency, said: "The Youth Travel Work Plan is a Tier 5 visa under the UK’s Points-Based System. Applicants need only meet the age requirement, hold a valid Taiwanese passport, provide a valid certificate of sponsorship issued by Taiwan’s National Youth Commission

After obtaining the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you can study any course in the UK without requiring a sponsoring institution or other entry conditions. You may also choose to work full-time or part-time locally, but this does not include working as a professional athlete, coach, intern doctor, setting up a company, or investing in income-generating equipment exceeding £5,000.

Taiwan is the sixth country after Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Monaco, and Japan to sign this reciprocal agreement

David Campbell, representative of the British Trade and Cultural Office, said: "2012 is a very important and exciting year for the UK. Highlights include the Diamond Jubilee celebrating the Queen’s 60th year on the throne, the London Summer Olympics and Paralympics, as well as cultural and artistic events. I believe these Taiwanese youths joining the Youth Mobility Scheme will have more opportunities to experience an open, diverse, and creative Britain."

This visa can be issued in approximately 5–6 working days, with a fee of NT$9,300. As for details on how to obtain the "Sponsorship Certificate" from the National Youth Commission, the NYSC will announce them on November 1. Those interested in applying can continue to refer to the UK Border Agency in Taiwan website or the NYSC website.

For more information on the regulations of the Youth Mobility Scheme, please refer to:

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier5/youthmobilityscheme