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Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 for South Korean nationals: 2nd Ballot

The second ballot for the 2020 Youth Mobility Scheme for South Korean nationals will open in September.

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 for South Korean nationals: 2nd Ballot

The second ballot of the Youth Mobility Scheme 2020 for South Korean Nationals will launch next month. Unlike previous years the selection criteria has changed to a lottery based system managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). There will no longer be the requirement to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship previously issued by the South Korean authorities.

There are 1000 places in total available to South Korean nationals in 2020. Approximately 800 applicants were selected for the first ballot earlier this year with the remaining places up for grabs in the second ballot in September. If your application is successful you will be able to live, work and study in the UK for up to 2 years.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the scheme you should send one email (only) to: SouthKoreaYMS2020.BallotRequest@fco.gov.uk between midday on Monday 21 September 2020 (12pm) to midday Wednesday 23 September 2020 (South Korea time). The email header or subject line must contain your name, date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY) and passport number as shown in your passport. This must be written in English only.

For example: KIM Jayne - 31/01/1990 – Passport 123456789

In the main text of your email you should include the following written in English only:

  1. Name

  2. Date of birth

  3. Passport Number

  4. Mobile phone number

The email account will be open for 48 hours only and all emails received within this time frame will be sent an automated reply confirming receipt.

When the email account has closed, applicants will be chosen at random by UKVI until the annual quota is filled. If you have been chosen to apply a second email will be sent to by Wednesday, 30 September 2020. This email will confirm acceptance and further instructions on how to make an application and appointment, along with documentary evidence required to apply for your entry clearance.

Please note successful applicants must prepare online applications and online credit card payments no later than 30 October 2020. Failure to submit your payment online by this date will automatically remove your name from the list and your allocation will be retracted. After you have paid online you have 90 days to submit your paperwork for consideration.

If you are a South Korean national living overseas you can also apply following the instructions above, and if you are chosen to apply you will be able to do so in your country of residence. Applications cannot be submitted for the Youth Mobility Scheme in the UK.

An email will be sent to unsuccessful applicants by 30 September 2020 to inform them they have not been chosen and that no further action is required.

Updates to this page

Published 3 September 2020