Youth Mobility Visa Cost Calculator 2028
Youth Mobility visa costs in 2028: mandatory UKVI fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Youth Mobility visa in 2028? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — UKVI filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Youth Mobility
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Youth Mobility application in 2028.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | £340 | — | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £2,070 | £1,035/yr × 2 years. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£2,000 – £5,000 in Average (UK). Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Youth Mobility
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Eligible nationality and age band (18–30 for most countries, 18–35 for some); Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan nationals must first win a place in the ballot.
- 2
Apply within the notified window
If ballot-selected, typically 90 days before the allocation lapses.
- 3
Apply online
Pay the fee (£319) plus Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year).
- 4
Verify identity and await decision
The visa allows up to 2 years' work/travel in the UK, non-extendable.
Typical processing time: Typically around 3 weeks outside the UK once the application is submitted.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Bank statements showing at least £2,530 held continuously for 28 days
- Ballot confirmation, for Hong Kong SAR/Taiwan applicants
- Personal, non-work email for correspondence
- Evidence of nationality/eligible visa category
Common mistakes to avoid
- Savings dipping below £2,530 at any point in the 28-day window
- Using stale savings evidence — the 28th day must fall within 31 days of submission
- Using a work email address that becomes inaccessible if employment ends
- Missing the strict submission deadline after ballot selection
Sources: gov.uk — Youth Mobility Scheme
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £2,410 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £4,410 – £7,410 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £5,945 – £9,980 |
How to save money on your Youth Mobility
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £2,000–£5,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Youth Mobility cost FAQ (2028)
How much does a Youth Mobility visa cost in 2028?
The total estimated cost of a Youth Mobility visa in 2028 ranges from about £4,410 to £9,980, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Youth Mobility application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Youth Mobility visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Youth Mobility visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Youth Mobility visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Youth Mobility visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.