Applying for a youth mobility.

Hi guys/ gals. So I applied for the youth mobility visa today over the internet... planning to go to vancouver and give my biometrics next week...

Is it nesseccary to provide your " criminal record " if your record is clean? ( i have no criminal record ) The Visa application isnt really clear on this and I'm not sure what to do? I just checked out getting your record from the rcmp website and it says it can take up to 4 months!! gahh! help anybody?

-stu

Good question Stu. I would think that if you don't have one, that you would just leave it blank. If you had a criminal record to report then fill it out. It is all on record anyways.

-- Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:29 pm --

Any of you guys worried about the effect the recession is going to have on those wanting to work?

Hey David from Calgary (I'm from Calgary as well), have you received your visa? If so, how long did it take you to get it? Do you already have a job lined up so far?

Anyway, if you're still overwhelmed by all this, have you considered going with SWAP?

I decided to not apply until next year as there is a recession going on and I want to watch what happens in the next while. What is SWAP Mike?

Hey David, SWAP basically helps you out with applying for the visa, opening a bank account, getting a National Insurance card, and it also organizes social events like pub crawls, weekend excursions, etc.

www*swap*ca/out_eng/destinations/britain*aspx (replace the asterisks with dots -- this website will not allow me to post a link)

i just got my youth mobility visa the other day, and i must say that it seems a lot harder than it actually is.

you need to do the one form online (on the worldbridge site), and then print it off and bring it with you to the worldbridge office. after you finish your application, you'll be able to sign up for an appointment at the closest worldbridge office, so that you can get your biometrics done.

when you go to the office, you also have to bring your passport, a new passport photo, a letter from the bank stating that you have at least 1600 pounds in your bank account (dated less than a month from when you're applying), and you have to print off and fill out the appendix 7 form.

oh and you do not need to have a flight booked beforehand.

if you need any more help, feel free to email me at macdonald.heather@hotmail.com

I did this process as well back in april, and personally i found it to be a very simple process as long as you have all your forms printed and filled out and have the correct information. i applied, went to my appointment and received my visa in 3 working days in the mail. I bought my one way ticket after that and had absolutely no troubles at customs what so ever. Was through in maybe 3 min tops.

i'd be happy to answer any questions anyone has if need be on the process.

Hello everyone!
I am just wondering if anyone knows what you need to do upon arrival in the UK, if you have the YMS visa? Do you need to check in at an office there at some point, or are you good to go?
Thanks!!
-Viv

Hi, I’m from Winnipeg their for I have to go else where like Toronto to do all my visa stuff. And I don’t want to mess it up and have to go back and do it over again.
I got a few questions that I’m wondering if anyone could answer for me.
1. I was trying to apply for visa online but nothing was popping up can I just do it at VAC in Toronto? Or dose anyone know how to get it ( when i download the form it was shows a bunch on numbers like it's in some short of code)
2. It says you need supporting document but I can’t find what that all is. Is it just a bank statement and my passport, or do I need to show them where I’m staying or working and all?

Applying for the YMS Visa
You have to apply online and pay, and then make an appointment to see a person to get your biometrics done (that would be the part in Edmonton). At this meeting you'll have to present a paper copy of your application, your supporting documents, passport, and your passport photos. Make sure you have two passport photos - I only took one because that's what the website said they needed and they made me run down the street to get another set taken. When I pointed out the website said they only require one, their answer was "Oh yeah, that rule changed last week. I guess they haven't updated the website yet". .

After they've checked everything, they will then give you the application BACK to you in an envelope to mail to the high commission yourself. At this point, you can still add extra things to your application - they weren't going to accept my bank statements so I had to get a letter drafted by the bank manager; the interviewer told me just to mail the letter with the rest of the package. I believe you have 14 days from the time you leave their office to get your application to the High Commissioner's office before your biometrics expire and you have to pay the application fee again and start all over.

I did not realize it at the time but this kind of process is very, very typical of pretty much everything in the UK. It takes way longer than it should, involves way more steps/people, and in general is less efficient than a monkey riding an elephant riding a bicycle.

On Arrival in the UK
Once you arrive in the UK, you don't HAVE to do anything - you're not legally required to register with any kind of agency or anything. It is a good idea to register with a GP however, and apply for a National Insurance number. Both processes are free - under YMS rules you don't get NHS coverage until after 12 months living in the UK, unless you are working. If you're working, you're paying taxes, if you're paying taxes, you're entitled to NHS treatment. You can get work without an National Insurance number, and actually an NI number is easier to get after you're employed. You can find a local GP to register with using NHS's webside: http://www.NHS.uk.

You'll also want to find a place to live. Take into consideration that most rental companies will want a deposit (aka a "bond"), and first months rent. If you aren't working when you apply for a place, they will also require you to pay all the rent for your tenancy up front once your application has been approved because unemployed people and students won't pass the credit check required for a month-to-month payment scheme.

You'll also want to open a bank account, as a lot of employers require you to have a bank account prior to starting work, but there is already lots on this forum about that.