UK's India Young Professional Scheme Visa 2nd Ballot Entry Begins Today, Here's How To Apply

New Delhi: The UK Home Office has launched the second and final ballot of 2024 for the India Young Professional Scheme, offering young Indian nationals the opportunity to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom for up to 24 months. The ballot period opens on July 16, 2024, at 13:30 IST and closes on July 18, 2024, at the same time.

This scheme is targeted at Indian citizens aged 18 to 30, or those turning 18 by the travel date. Eligible candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, have savings of GBP 2,530, and not have any dependent children under 18.

In 2024, the UK has allocated 3,000 places under this scheme, most of which were filled during the February ballot. The upcoming July ballot will distribute the remaining places. Entry into the ballot is free, but successful applicants will need to pay GBP 298 upon applying for the visa. Those not selected can reapply in future ballots. The scheme promises a streamlined pathway with quicker processing times compared to other visa schemes.

UK Higher Education Hit Hard by 28% Drop in International Student Applications

Eligibility and Application Process

To enter the ballot, applicants must:
- Be an Indian citizen
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Have an eligible qualification
- Have GBP 2,530 in savings

Candidates must provide their name, date of birth, passport details, a scan or photo of their passport, phone number, and email address. The successful entries will be randomly selected and notified via email within two weeks of the ballot closing.

Successful Entries

If selected, candidates will be invited to apply for the visa and will have 90 days from the date of the email to:
- Apply online
- Pay the visa application fee and immigration health surcharge
- Provide their biometrics

Candidates must travel to the UK within six months of applying for their visa.

Costs and Duration

The visa application fee is GBP 298, with an additional healthcare surcharge of GBP 1,552. Applicants must also demonstrate GBP 2,530 in personal savings. The visa allows holders to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months, with the freedom to enter and leave the country during their stay.

What You Can and Cannot Do

Visa holders can:
- Study (certain courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
- Work in most jobs
- Be self-employed and set up a company, with specific conditions

Visa holders cannot:
- Extend their stay
- Apply for most benefits
- Include family members on their application
- Work as professional sportspersons

Documents Required

Applicants must provide:
- A valid passport or identity document
- Evidence of GBP 2,530 in savings
- Proof of qualifications
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
- A police clearance certificate from India.

Click for UK's India Young Professional Scheme Visa Application

The India Young Professional Scheme visa represents a significant opportunity for young Indians to gain international experience in the UK. With the ballot now open, eligible candidates are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique program.