India Young Professionals Scheme Visa – A Complete Guide
The India Young Professionals Scheme visa offers a unique opportunity for eligible Indian citizens to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years. But before you can apply, you must enter and be selected through a ballot system.
With all ballots for 2025 now closed and the next round expected in 2026, it’s vital to understand how the scheme works, who can apply, and what steps are involved. This guide covers every aspect of the visa process based entirely on the latest official guidance.
What is the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa?
The India Young Professionals Scheme visa is a part of the UK’s Youth Mobility route, created under the UK-India Migration and Mobility Partnership.
It allows Indian nationals aged between 18 and 30 to live, work, and study in the UK for up to 24 months. The scheme is designed for individuals with a graduate-level qualification and is based on a ballot selection system.
Each year, a limited number of places are offered to successful applicants through two ballots. In 2025, there were 3,000 places available, with the majority offered in February and the remainder in July.
These ballots are now closed, and future applicants must wait for the next round in 2026.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa?
To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet specific requirements at the time of entering the ballot and again when applying for the visa. These include:
- Being an Indian national or citizen
- Aged between 18 and 30 at the time of travel to the UK
- Holding a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification (UK RQF level 6, 7 or 8, or an equivalent overseas qualification)
- Having £2,530 in savings
- Not having any children under 18 who live with you or are financially dependent on you
- Not having previously held a visa under this scheme or the Youth Mobility Scheme
Applicants must check eligibility before entering the ballot, as application fees are non-refundable if later rejected.
What Happens if You’re Successful or Unsuccessful in the Ballot?
If you are successful, you’ll receive an email invitation to apply for the visa. From the date of that email, you have 90 days to submit your application online, pay the necessary fees, and provide biometric information.
If you’re not selected, there’s no appeals process, and the decision is final. However, you’re free to enter future ballots as long as you remain eligible.
Applicants who are selected but choose not to proceed with their visa application are not required to notify UK authorities. Simply not applying is sufficient.
How Do You Apply for the Visa After Winning the Ballot?
Once you’ve been selected, the application process begins with an online submission. You will then be required to prove your identity and upload or submit all required documents.
You may either use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or attend a visa application centre, depending on your passport and location. Some applicants may need to travel if a local centre is unavailable.
If attending in person, the centre may retain your passport and documents during processing.
The timeline for submitting all requirements is 90 days from the ballot success notification. Applicants must also travel to the UK within six months of applying for the visa.
| Step | Action Required |
| Ballot Selection | Receive email confirmation |
| Application Window | Apply online within 90 days |
| Visa Fee Payment | Pay £319 application fee |
| Healthcare Surcharge | Pay £1,552 for two-year NHS coverage |
| Identity Verification | Use app or attend visa application centre |
| Travel Deadline | Must enter UK within 6 months from application date |
What Documents Do You Need for the Application?
A complete and accurate document submission is critical. You must submit a valid passport and proof of funds demonstrating you have held at least £2,530 in savings for 28 consecutive days within the 31 days before applying.
Other required documents include:
- Evidence of a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification (UK RQF level 6, 7, or 8, or an overseas equivalent)
- TB test results if you’re living in India or a listed country
- A police clearance certificate from the Indian authorities
- Written confirmation from your college or university confirming completion of your studies and the degree awarded
- Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh
You must also have a blank passport page for the visa. In some cases, the Home Office may request additional documents based on your personal circumstances.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Decision?
After you’ve applied, provided your documents, and proven your identity, you will typically receive a decision within three weeks. Delays may occur if your documents need verification, an interview is required, or you have complex personal circumstances.
In some cases, applicants can pay for a priority or super priority service to receive a faster decision, subject to availability.
How Much Does the Visa Cost?
The total cost of the India Young Professionals Scheme visa includes:
- £319 application fee
- £1,552 healthcare surcharge
- £2,530 in personal savings to support yourself
Please note that the application fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. It is essential to verify that you meet all eligibility criteria before applying to avoid unnecessary loss of funds.
How Long Can You Stay in the UK with This Visa?
The visa permits you to stay in the UK for up to 24 months. You can enter and leave the country at any point during this period. If you turn 31 after the visa is granted, you may still remain in the UK until the visa expires.
The visa cannot be extended, and you cannot switch to another visa type from within the UK under this scheme.
What Are You Allowed to Do With This Visa?
With an India Young Professionals Scheme visa, you can:
- Work in most professions without restrictions
- Study (some courses may require an ATAS certificate)
- Be self-employed or start a business, provided that your premises are rented, your equipment is valued at less than £5,000, and you do not have employees
However, there are also limitations. You cannot:
- Extend your stay beyond the 24-month period
- Apply for most public benefits or funds
- Include dependants in your visa application
- Work as a professional sportsperson or coach
What if Your Personal Situation Changes While in the Uk?
If you have a child while living in the UK on this visa, the child does not automatically become a British citizen. If you wish to travel with your child, you must apply online for a dependent visa.
You’ll also need to provide a UK birth certificate that includes both parents’ names.
Additionally, if you wish to cancel your visa application after submitting it, a refund is only issued if UKVI has not started processing your application.
FAQs About the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
What is the status of the 2025 ballot?
Both ballots for 2025 have closed. Details for the 2026 ballot will be published on the official UK government website.
Can I apply for the visa without being selected in the ballot?
No, you must first be selected in the ballot before you are allowed to apply for the visa.
How many entries can I submit per ballot?
Only one entry is allowed per person per ballot. Additional entries will be disqualified.
Is there any fee to enter the ballot?
No, entering the ballot is free. However, applying for the visa carries a cost once you’re selected.
Can I reapply if I’m unsuccessful in the ballot?
Yes, you can enter any future ballots as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Can my family join me under this visa?
No, family members cannot be included in your application. They must apply separately for appropriate visas.
How soon must I travel to the UK after receiving the visa?
You must travel to the UK within six months of the visa being granted.
