JAPAN: YOUTH EXCHANGE SCHEME

This page offers general guidance. Always check the current information with your local Embassy.

The Japan: Youth Exchange Scheme allows Japanese nationals aged between 18 and 25 to come to the United Kingdom for an extended holiday for up to 12 months. Applicants should intend to work in the UK as part of their holiday. If you don't intend to work or don't have a realistic chance of finding the type of work you want to do, you are not likely to qualify.  There is a quota of 400 participants each year. A person may only come to the UK once as a participant in the scheme.

You qualify to come to the UK under the scheme if you meet these conditions:

• you are a Japanese national currently in Japan

• you are aged 18 to 25

• you want to come to the United Kingdom for an extended holiday, with the intention of taking work as part of your holiday

• you are single or are married to a person who also qualifies under the scheme

• if married you must intend to come to the UK together

• you will not be accompanied by children

• you will not need help from public funds

• you can pay for your onward or return journey

• you plan to leave the United Kingdom at the end of your holiday
  

You must get entry clearance as a participant in the Japan: Youth Exchange Scheme before you travel to the United Kingdom. You should apply to the British Embassy in Tokyo. You can only stay in the United Kingdom for 12 months as a participant in the scheme and you cannot extend your stay. Any time you spend outside the United Kingdom during that period will count as part of the 12 months. You may take full time work for no more than half of your stay. Full-time work means more than 25 hours per week. You may take part-time work for more than 50% of your holiday provided it is clear that you will have a holiday. The scheme is not meant for someone who wants to come to the UK to work full-time. You are free to take voluntary work with a charity or voluntary organisation as and when you wish. You may not engage in business, pursue a career or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

For more details, click here.