If you are an Indian citizen looking to stay, study and work in the UK, the India Young Professionals Scheme visa could be of help to you. In the UK, one can look into possible academic programs and perhaps try their hand at entrepreneurship or company with the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.

An India Young Professionals Scheme visa allows Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. The eligibility for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa is determined by a ballot system.

Prior to applying for this visa, you must be chosen in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. You also need to verify your eligibility for the visa before entering the poll as you must disclose your eligibility to vote. You must travel to the UK within 6 months of applying for your visa.

How to Apply

First, you need to check your eligibility and if eligible, enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. If you are successful in the ballot, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Then, prepare the documents and finally apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.

India Young Professionals Scheme visa Eligibility

Be an Indian national or citizen between 18 and 30 years old

Have a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above

Have £2,530 in savings to support yourself in the UK. You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

Not have any children under the age of 18 who live with you or who you’re financially responsible for.

The successful entries are picked at random. It is free to enter the ballot but there are other costs. You will need to:

Pay the application fee of £298

Pay a healthcare surcharge of £940

Prove you have £2,530 in personal savings

Your visa will allow you to stay and work in the UK for a maximum of 24 months. As long as your visa is valid, you are free to enter the UK whenever you choose and to depart and return whenever you please. If you turn 31 after your visa is issued, you can stay in the UK for as long as your visa is valid.

You can study during this period but for some courses, you will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate. You can also work in most jobs and be self-employed and set up a company as long as your premises are rented and your equipment is not worth more than £5,000 and
you do not have any employees.

However, you cannot extend your stay and include family members on your application as they must apply separately.

In 2023, 3,000 visa slots were available under the India Young Professionals Scheme. Most positions were awarded in the ballot for February. The remaining spots were distributed in the ballot for July. The details of the 2024 India Young Professionals Scheme visa ballots are expected from the UK government.