By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
Starting January 1, 2012, the British Trade and Cultural Office will accept applications from Taiwanese aged 18–30 for the "Youth Mobility Scheme" (YMS). Successful applicants can live, work, or study in the UK, with visa validity of up to 2 years and multiple entries allowed during this period.
James Sharp, Director of the Asia-Pacific Region at the UK Border Agency, stated: "The Youth Mobility Scheme is a Tier 5 visa under the UK’s Points-Based System. Applicants only need to meet the age requirement, hold a valid Taiwanese passport, provide a valid certificate of sponsorship issued by Taiwan
After obtaining the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you can study any course in the UK without requiring a sponsor 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 livelihood equipment worth more than £5,000.
The 2012 Olympics are about to be held in the UK, making it a special experience to live there during that time. (Photo provided by VisitBritain)
Taiwan is the sixth country to sign this reciprocal agreement with the UK, following Australia
David Campbell, Representative of the British Trade and Cultural Office, said: “2012 is a very important and exciting year for the UK. Of particular note are the Diamond Jubilee celebrations marking 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 young people joining the Youth Mobility Scheme will have more opportunities to experience an open, diverse, and creative UK.”
The UK, full of diversity and creativity, is a country many young people aspire to visit. (Photo provided by VisitBritain)
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