The India Young Professionals Scheme Visa offers a unique opportunity for Indian graduates to explore life in the UK while building global experience. Launched under the UK-India Migration and Mobility Partnership, this program enables 3,000 Indian citizens each year to live, work, or study in the UK for up to two years, and thereโs no job offer required.
This visa stands out for its flexibility, as no sponsorship or job offer is required to apply. Instead, it empowers Indian graduates to independently explore work, study, and travel options across the UK. Itโs ideal for those seeking to gain global exposure, advance their career prospects, or simply experience a new cultural environment on their own terms.
What is the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa?
The India Young Professionals Scheme Visa offers eligible Indian graduates the opportunity to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months with no job restrictions. Thereโs no need for a UK sponsor or employer, but applicants must first secure a spot through a randomized ballot selection process.
The scheme is designed for highly educated Indian nationals aged between 18 and 30, giving them the chance to experience UK culture, build global networks, and enhance their professional profiles. Unlike other visas, this one doesnโt tie you down to a specific employer or course.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must:
Be an Indian citizen aged 18 to 30
Hold a graduate degree or higher
To meet the financial requirement, you must show proof of at least ยฃ2,530 in your bank account, held consistently for 28 consecutive days before applying.
Not having dependent children
Selection through the official ballot system under the India Young Professionals Scheme is a mandatory requirement.
Applicants should not have received a UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa or a Young Professionals Scheme visa in the past.
Ballot System
The ballot opens twice a year. You must enter the free online ballot using your passport details, date of birth, contact info, and scanned documents if required. The ballot is a random selection that doesn't depend on your qualifications or background.
Only if youโre selected will you receive an invitation to apply, valid for 90 days. If not selected, youโll have to wait for the next ballot cycle.
Cost Breakdown For This Scheme
Hereโs what youโll need to pay:
Visa application fee: ยฃ319
Immigration Health Surcharge: ยฃ1,552
Total = Approximately ยฃ1,871 upfront
Note: You also need proof of savings (ยฃ2,530) to support yourself.
Application Process for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
Once you receive an invitation from the UK government confirming your selection in the ballot, your official application window begins.
Start Your Online Application (within 90 days)
Visit the UK Governmentโs official visa portal and begin your application. Use the same email ID that you received the ballot invitation. Applicants do need to create or sign into a UKVI account.
Fill in the Online Form Carefully
Youโll need to enter your:
Personal information like the name, DOB and passport details
Education qualifications
Employment history (if applicable)
Residential/contact info and travel history
Make sure everything matches your passport and documents.
Upload All Supporting Documents
Prepare clear, color-scanned versions of:
Your passportโs bio page
A bank statement that illustrates ยฃ2,530 for 28 continuous days
Your degree certificate
A police clearance certificate is mandatory and must be issued within the last 6 months before your application.
TB test certificate, if applicable
Pay the Required Fees
Once your form is completed, youโll pay:
ยฃ319 for the visa
ยฃ1,552 for the Immigration Health Surcharge
Secure digital receipts for future reference.
Book Your Biometric Appointment
Youโll then be directed to book your biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, etc.). There, youโll submit:
Your fingerprints
A recent photograph
Wait for the Decision
After submitting your biometrics, your application moves into processing. Most decisions are issued in 15โ21 working days, but you can opt for a priority service at extra cost for a faster turnaround.
Visa Grant or BRP Collection
If approved, youโll get:
A visa vignette in your passport, or
Guidelines for Picking Up Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) After Entering the UK
Make sure you enter the UK within 6 months of approval.
What Can You Do on This Visa?
Work in most types of jobs (except professional sports or coaching)
Be self-employed under certain conditions
Study in UK institutions (fees apply)
Travel freely in and out of the UK
However, applicants canโt bring dependents or extend the visa beyond 2 years.
ย Things to Keep in Mind
This visa cannot be renewed
You can only apply if youโre selected in the ballot
You cannot switch to this visa from within the UK, as it needs to be applied for from India
It is separate from the UK Skilled Worker or Student Visa routes
The India Young Professionals Scheme Visa presents a rare, one-time opportunity for Indian graduates to kickstart an international career or fully experience life in a new cultural environment. Itโs competitive, but for those who get through the ballot and apply correctly, it opens doors to unforgettable professional and personal growth in the UK.