How to apply in UK-India Young Professionals Scheme?

The India Young Professionals Scheme visa permits individuals aged 18 to 30 from India to live and work in the United Kingdom (UK) for a maximum of 2 years. Prior to applying for this visa, it is mandatory to be chosen through the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. To participate in the ballot, you must confirm your eligibility for the visa—ensure your eligibility before entering.

You will be granted a visa allowing you to reside and work in the UK for a duration of up to 24 months. It is permissible to enter the UK at any point during the validity of your visa, and you have the flexibility to depart and return as needed throughout your stay. If you celebrate your 31st birthday after the visa issuance, you are entitled to remain in the UK for the full duration of your visa's validity.

Benefits of India Young Professionals Scheme visa

You are allowed to:

• Engage in studies, with some courses requiring an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate.
• Pursue employment in most job sectors.
• Operate as a self-employed individual and establish a company, provided that your premises are leased, your equipment value does not exceed £5,000, and you have no employees.

However, you are not allowed to:

• Extend your stay.
• Apply for most benefits (public funds).
• Include family members in your application; they must apply separately.
• Work as a professional sportsperson, such as a coach.

Eligibility requirement for India Young Professionals Scheme visa

To be eligible for an India Young Professionals Scheme visa you must:

• be an Indian national or citizen between 18 and 30 years old
• be at least 18 years old on the date you plan to travel to the UK
• have a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7 or 8)
• have £2,530 in savings to support yourself in the UK
• not have any children under the age of 18 who live with you or who you’re financially responsible for

You first need to apply to and be selected in the India young professionals scheme visa ballot system, before you can apply for your actual visa.

Note: You cannot apply in case, you have already been in the UK under this scheme or the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

Required Documentation:

During the application process, you must submit:

• A valid passport or an alternative document verifying your identity and nationality.
• Proof of having a minimum of £2,530 in your bank account, such as bank statements.
• Documentation validating your qualifications.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results if residing in India or another specified country.
• A police report or clearance certificate from India; refer to the procedure for obtaining criminal records checks.

Stepwise process to apply

1. If you’re eligible, enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot.
2. If you’re successful in the ballot, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
3. Prepare the documents that you need to apply.
4. Apply for an India Young Professionals Scheme visa.

When to apply

Upon winning the ballot, you must submit your visa application by the specified deadline provided in your invitation. Typically, this deadline is set 30 days from the date of your invitation. Furthermore, it is essential to commence your travel to the UK within 6 months of applying for your visa.

As a component of your India young professionals scheme visa UK application, you must authenticate your identity and furnish the required documents. Should you require an appointment for this process, it is advisable to allocate additional time. You will be informed about the necessity for an appointment as you initiate your application.

Processing time

Upon completing the online application, verifying your identity, and submitting the required documents,  processing time is typically within a span of 3 weeks. After this period you get the final decision on your visa.

How much it cost of India young professionals scheme visa

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 application fee will not be refunded if your application is rejected.

Eligible qualifications

You must have either:

• a qualification at UK bachelor’s degree level or above (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7 or 8)
• an equivalent overseas qualification at degree level or above

Check with your college or university if you are not sure what level of qualification you have.

Financial Support Requirement:

A minimum of £2,530 must be demonstrated in your bank account to prove your capacity to sustain yourself in the UK. The funds should have been maintained consistently for a consecutive period of 28 days, with the 28th day falling within 31 days of your visa application. You require showing a proof of this when you apply.

Entering the ballot

If you are an Indian citizen and meet the eligibility criteria for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa, you can participate in the ballot. Ensure your eligibility before entering the ballot.  You will need to provide your:

• name
• date of birth
• passport details
• a scan or photo of your passport
• phone number
• email address

Winners will be selected randomly, and results will be emailed within two weeks of the ballot closure. Participation in the ballot is free, but only enter if you intend to apply for the £259 visa and meet financial, educational, and other prerequisites. In 2023, 3,000 slots were available for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa, primarily allocated in the February ballot, with the remainder in July. Each person is limited to one entry per ballot; additional entries will not be considered.

How Ballot system works?

Find below key features of ballot system:

• Ballots usually open in January and July each year.
• An applicant can enter the ballot by sending an email. One person can only send one ballot entry. The authorities will not count any duplication.
• Before sending the entry for the ballot, make certain that you meet all eligibility requirements for the visa.
• Ballots will remain open for 48 hours. All emails received within this period will be entered into the ballot. Applicants get an automated reply confirming entry.
• Maximum candidates generally chosen in the January ballot and the remaining places allocated in the July ballot.

For those whose entries are chosen: If your entry is successful, you will receive an invitation to submit a visa application. You will have a 30-day window from the email date to apply online, complete the visa application fee payment, and cover the immigration health surcharge. If you opt not to apply for the visa despite a successful ballot outcome, there is no need to notify us.

For unsuccessful entries: The ballot results are conclusive, and there is no avenue for appeal if your entry is unsuccessful. In the case of an unsuccessful outcome, you are eligible to participate in future ballots.

To know more and apply for visa in UK this year, under the relevant immigration program, you may call Visas Avenue Immigration Expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.