YMS Tier 5 Visa (Vancouver)

Hello,

I know there are similar topics out there but I feel like they majorly lack concise instruction, and this one is also geared specifically for those who want to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme Tier 5 Visa in Vancouver.

To apply for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, first read here to see if you fit the requirements:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... igibility/

You can apply if you:

•are a citizen of a country taking part in the scheme or a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen or a British national (overseas);
•are 18 years old or over when your visa lets you come to the UK (becomes valid) and under 31 years old when you apply;
•have £1,600 ($2,611 at the time of this post) in available maintenance (funds) when you apply.

If you meet all these requirements, click the link below and apply online. Other forums just say "apply online" but don't actually tell you where to go, which I find really frustrating.
http://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk/ApplyNow.aspx

Note: It apparently takes 6 weeks to receive your visa after you've applied (which also takes time to prepare for), so it's a really good idea to apply at least 1 & 1/2 months before you plan on leaving to the UK. DO NOT book a flight to the UK until you have received your Visa. If you arrive without a visa you may not be allowed to enter the country. More info here: tier-5-visa-processing-time-vt9215.html

You can save your application at any time on a page with the red tab at the bottom, so if you get to a step that's confusing or you lack the necessary info, you can always save your application for later. Note: If you've had more than your current Canadian passport you will need to know the passport number and where it was issued which may pose a problem for those who decided not to keep old passports!

These next steps I have yet to experience as I am currently applying so forgive me if not all of your questions are answered! Now you have to book an appointment with your local biometrics office.
The following info is from this forum: vancouver-biometrics-office-vt5974.html

"The biometrics office in Vancouver is located @ 666 Burrard Street. It's right downtown, fairly close to the water front near the Bell tower. It's supposed to be in suite 600 (on the 6th floor) but it's actually to the left of the "suite 600" doors, behind a door with "625" on the front."

Note: You cannot book a biometrics appointment until you have finished the online Visa application.

Now you must head over to WorldBridge and book your biometrics appointment.
https://www.visainfoservices.com/pages/ ... ement.aspx

The following is from the WorldBridge Visa Services website, whom is a partner of UK Border Agency [https://www.visainfoservices.com/]:
Steps to apply for a visa:
1. Visit the UK Border Agency website, as indicated above, and complete your application.
2. Make an appointment to visit either a visa application centre or mobile biometric clinic (where available).
3. Attend your appointment to submit your biometrics information (and any required documentation).
4. Your visa application and documents will be reviewed by the UK Border Agency and they will make a decision on issuing a visa.
5. Your documents are ready to be returned to you.

Note: Regular appointments within business hours are free of charge. Prime time appointments are $60 + tax.

I'm not too sure what happens at the biometrics appointment, but I've gotten a French visa before so I'm guessing it's similar. Here is info based on my own experience at the French consulate in Vancouver and from what I've read:

Upon arrival you'll present all documents (a list below) and they will take your fingerprints, possibly your photo or they'll take a new one there, and you'll most likely pay some fee.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
1. VAF9 - Completed and printed
2. Appendix 7 - Completed and printed
Note: These pdf documents can be found on the right hand side here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier5/youthmobilityscheme/applying/
3. Online self assessment for points total - Completed and printed
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator
4. Online application - Completed and printed
5. Bank statement with official bank stamp confirming your account has £1600 dating no more than one month before you submit your application
Note: This can also be a letter from a bank manager stating that you have the funds, although I've heard if you bring and supply both it can be somewhat confusing, but better to be prepared!
6. Current passport
7. Any expired passports (if available)
8. Passport sized photo with date stamp (45mm x 35mm)
Note: Better to have at least two.

"When your appointment is complete you are responsible for mailing your completed application and documents to the UK Border Agency in Ottawa for processing." (According to what I've found, they now apparently forward your documents to New York to be processed. I'm not sure if this takes any longer.)

After your biometrics appointment, you will mail all documents (list above) to an address that I don't know of yet but hopefully somebody here can provide. If not, I can provide this info later after I've gone through my yet-to-be-scheduled biometrics appointment!

Go here to do the online self assessment points calculator: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator

Note: From what I have gathered from the UK Border Agency website, the amount in your bank account only has to be in your bank account the day you make your application. Some people have expressed concern about whether or not the 1600 pounds has to have been there for 1 month or so prior to making the application. More information here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... intenance/

"The balance must show that you have £1,600 in your account. Evidence must be dated no more than one month before you apply. [This just means that your bank statement can't be from 4 years ago, it has to be recent—within a month]. The amount is assessed on the exchange rate of the date you pay your fee and have your biometrics taken. We use the OANDA website to assess the exchange rate, which you can find on the right side of this page.

The documents must be original, on the official letter-headed paper or stationery of the organisation and have the official stamp of that organisation. They must have been issued by an authorised official of that organisation.

Evidence must be in the form of cash funds. Other accounts or financial instruments for example, shares, bonds and pension funds, regardless of notice are not acceptable.

If you wish to rely on a joint account as evidence of available funds, you must be named on the account along with one or more other named individual."

It can be in the form of a personal bank statement or bank manager letter. You can print your statement from online but it must be validated by your bank with a stamp. More info on documents here: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas ... intenance/

After you've attended your biometrics appointment and have sent away all documents to be processed (which I've read can take anywhere from 3 days to 6 weeks) you will receive an email stating where your application is in the process, and most likely one that says your visa application has been approved. You will receive your visa in the mail and you are free to book flights according to when your tentative arrival date was planned for. Good flight prices can be found on tripadvisor.com [http://www.tripadvisor.com/], and for those of you flying out of Vancouver, note that it's also a hell of a lot cheaper to fly out of Seattle Tacoma Airport, and there is a shuttle from Vancouver straight to the airport >> http://www.quickcoach.com/fares.htm. If you're under 30 it's $57 but only $49 for students.

Please excuse me if I left any information out. This isn't the be all end all of the YMS Visa, but I tried my best to compile everything I've read into one thread. I hope it helps somebody out!
Good luck and let us know how your application is going!!

Below are relevant links to other threads on the YMS application topic:
vaf9-required-for-tier-5-yms-vt10116.html
tier-5-visa-processing-time-vt9215.html
tier-5-yms-bank-letter-vt8814.html
uk-ymv-help-please-vt10857.html

The countries taking part in the scheme are currently Canada, Monaco, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

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London, United Kingdom
info@visa-wise.co.uk
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