The ISU guidelines for junior eligibility have varied throughout the years – currently, skaters must be at least 13 years old but not yet 19 before the previous 1 July, except for men competing in pair skating and ice dancing where the age maximum is 21.

In 2000, the timing was changed back to its previous form and the World Junior Championships were once again held in the spring.

Skaters qualify for the World Junior Championships by belonging to an ISU member nation.

Which skaters from each country attend the World Junior Championships is at the national governing body's discretion.

Some countries rely on the results of their national championships while others have more varied criteria.