Apply for Tier 5 directly??? Help

Hi everyone,

My friend who's Taiwanese is interested in applying for the Tier 5 YMS visa. However, they previously said that they had to apply in a lottery and be hand selected to apply for it?

Looking at others experiences online it seems that some people are applying directly through this link? https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk

I know that only South Koreans and Hong Kong nationals require a CoS (Certificate of Sponsor)
So I'm wondering, what's to stop my friend applying directly? Is it a possibility?

Regards, thank you for your help!

Yes, apply directly. There's no lottery, but there is a number cap (limit) each year. If the limit has not been reached they can get it if they apply and do the correct payment etc. They must be aged between 18 and 30.

Thanks so much for your reply, really appreciate it!

My only concern is that they go to all of the trouble and expense of applying, only to be told the number cap has already been reached.

I assume they wouldn't let an application be processed if there weren't any spaces left?