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Tier 5 (Youth mobility scheme)

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Maintenance (funds)

This page explains how you can prove that you meet the maintenance (funds) requirement when you apply for a visa under Tier 5 (Youth mobility scheme) of the UK's points-based system.

You must provide documents proving that you have £1,800, excluding any overdraft facilities, in your account. This amount must be in the form of cash funds. Other accounts or financial instruments (such as shares, bonds and pension funds), regardless of notice, are not acceptable. We will assess the funds in your account using the exchange rate published by OANDA on the date of your application. You can access the OANDA website on the right side of this page.

The documents must be original, on the organisation's official letter-headed paper or stationery, and bearing the organisation's official stamp. They must have been issued by an authorised official of the organisation, and must be dated no earlier than 1 month before you apply for the visa.

If you want to rely on a joint account as evidence of available funds, you must be named on the account with 1 or more other named individuals.

Acceptable documents are listed below.

Personal bank or building society statements

These statements should clearly show:

  • your name;
  • the account number;
  • the date of the statement;
  • the financial institution's name and logo; and
  • a balance, excluding any overdraft facilities, of at least £1,800 in the account.

If you want to send electronic bank statements from an online account, these must contain all of the details listed above. You will also need to send a supporting letter from your bank, on company headed paper, confirming the authenticity of the statements.

Building society pass-book

This pass-book should clearly show:

  • your name;
  • the account number;
  • the financial institution's name and logo; and
  • a balance, excluding any overdraft facilities, of at least £1,800 in the account.

Letter from a bank or building society, confirming funds

This letter should state:

  • your name;
  • the account number;
  • the date of the letter;
  • the financial institution's name and logo; and
  • that there is a balance, excluding any overdraft facilities, of at least £1,800 in the account.

Letter from a financial institution regulated by either the Financial Services Authority or the home regulator, confirming funds

This letter should state:

  • your name;
  • the account number;
  • the date of the letter;
  • the financial institution's name and logo; and
  • that there is a balance, excluding any overdraft facilities, of at least £1,800 in the account.

The home regulator is the official regulatory body for the country where the institution operates and the funds are located.