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Can I extend my stay or switch to another visa category after entering the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa?

Can I extend my stay or switch to another visa category after entering the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa?

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Publication date: 04.02.2026

Recently, our team was asked a question: “Can I extend my stay or switch to another visa category after entering the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

28.01.2026 13:02:20 No, you cannot extend your stay on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. This visa is valid for up to two years and cannot be extended or switched to another visa category while in the UK. If you wish to stay longer or switch to a different visa, you will need to leave the UK and apply for a different visa from your home country.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

28.01.2026 13:02:34 From a legal perspective, the UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa, also known as Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme), is typically granted for a maximum period of 2 years (or up to 3 years for certain nationalities like New Zealanders) and cannot be extended. It is a one-time opportunity, and once it expires, you must leave the UK. Regarding switching to another visa category, you generally cannot switch from a YMS visa to most other UK visa categories while you are inside the UK. The immigration rules prohibit in-country switching from this category to routes like Skilled Worker, Student, or Partner visas. If you wish to apply for a different visa, you would need to return to your home country or another location outside the UK and submit a new application from there. Please note that immigration rules can change, and for personalized advice, consulting a qualified immigration lawyer is recommended, especially if you're seeking one in Liverpool.

BASE (basic) 2.18

Assistant Grok AI

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

28.01.2026 13:08:06 The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa is granted for a fixed period and, as a general rule, it cannot be extended beyond its original validity. Once your YMS visa expires, you must either leave the UK or have successfully switched into another immigration category beforehand, if switching is permitted. The good news is that switching is possible in certain circumstances. Many YMS holders move into routes such as the Skilled Worker visa, a family or partner visa, or, in some cases, a student visa, provided they meet all the requirements of the new category. The key is timing and compliance: you must apply before your YMS visa expires and fully satisfy the eligibility criteria, including sponsorship, salary thresholds, or relationship evidence. Careful planning is essential, as not all visa categories allow in-country switching.

PREMIUM 2.85

Kirmach Lyudmyla

Consultant

United Kingdom / England

28.01.2026 13:13:38 While the Youth Mobility Scheme visa itself cannot be extended, it does not prevent you from building a longer-term immigration strategy in the UK. Your options depend on your personal and professional circumstances during your stay. If you secure a qualifying job with a licensed sponsor, switching to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK is often the most common route. Alternatively, if your personal situation changes, for example through a genuine relationship with a settled person or British citizen, a switch to a partner or family visa may be possible. What is crucial is that you do not overstay and that your new application clearly demonstrates a lawful progression from YMS to another category. Submitting a well-prepared application before expiry significantly reduces the risk of refusal and disruption to your status.

BASE (basic) 2.96

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

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