India Young Professionals Scheme Visa UK

The India Young Professionals Scheme visa is one of the most popular temporary work visas available to Indian nationals who want to live and work in the UK. It’s part of the UK–India Migration and Mobility Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed to strengthen ties between the two countries by creating new opportunities for young graduates.

The scheme gives successful applicants the chance to spend two years in the UK, gaining professional experience, travelling, and enjoying cultural exchange. However, places are limited and allocated through a random ballot system, which makes the process very competitive.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the India Young Professionals Scheme visa in 2025, including eligibility criteria, the ballot system, the application process, required documents, costs, visa conditions, and what happens after your visa ends.

If you’d like help with your application, our Immigration solicitors in Manchester can provide step-by-step advice, review your documents, and guide you through your options.

UK – India Migration and Mobility MoU: The Background

The India Young Professionals Scheme was created under the Migration and Mobility MoU signed by the UK and Indian governments.

The aim of this agreement is to:

• Build stronger economic and cultural links between the UK and India.
• Offer young Indian graduates the opportunity to live and work in Britain.
• Provide UK employers with access to highly skilled young professionals.
• Give Indian nationals valuable international experience to boost their careers.

This scheme is similar in concept to the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme but is exclusively available to Indian citizens. It also operates differently because places are not unlimited they are assigned through a ballot (lottery) system.

What is the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa?

The India Young Professionals Scheme visa (IYPS) is a temporary work visa that allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to live in the UK for up to two years.

It is not a route to permanent settlement but provides a unique opportunity to:

• Work in most jobs, either full-time or part-time.
• Study short courses that support your career goals.
• Travel across the UK and visit the Schengen Area.
• Volunteer with charities and community organisations.
• Experience cultural exchange by living in the UK.

This visa is ideal for young people who want to gain international work experience and enjoy everything the UK has to offer before moving on to the next stage of their career.

The Key Difference & The Ballot System

The biggest difference between this visa and most other UK visas is that you cannot apply directly. Instead, you must first be selected through a ballot system.

Purpose of the ballot

The ballot system was introduced to manage the high demand for a limited number of visas. Only 3,000 visas are available each year, so the ballot ensures fair and random allocation.

How it works

• The ballot is open twice a year (usually February and July).
• Indian citizens submit their details online during the ballot window.
• All entries are placed into a random selection system.
• Successful candidates receive an email invitation to apply for the visa.

How to enter the ballot

• You need a valid Indian passport.
• Provide your full name, date of birth, passport scan, phone number, and email address.
• Submit your entry online through the UKVI website.
• Entry is free, but you must wait for the ballot window to open.

Ballot windows

• February ballot majority of places allocated.
• July ballot remaining places allocated.

After the ballot

• If selected: You’ll get an email with instructions to apply for the visa. You must apply within 30 days.
• If not selected: You’ll receive a rejection email and can try again in the next ballot. There is no penalty for multiple attempts.

India Young Professionals Scheme Visa Eligibility Criteria

Before entering the ballot, you must meet the eligibility requirements.

Main requirements

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Age: Between 18 and 30 at the time of application.
• Education: Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (equivalent to a UK degree).
• Funds: At least £2,530 in personal savings, held for at least 28 days before applying.
• Dependants: You cannot bring children under 18 who rely on you financially.
• English: Prove English proficiency unless you have a degree taught in English.
• Character: Must have a clear criminal record.

Eligibility at a glance

Requirement	Details
Age	18–30
Nationality	Indian passport holder
Qualification	Bachelor’s degree or above
Financial support	£2,530 in savings for 28 days
Dependants	No children under 18 allowed
English language	Test or degree taught in English
Criminal record	Must be clean

How to Apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa

The application is a two-stage process.

1. Enter the ballot when it opens.
2. If selected, apply online for the visa.

Step by step process

1. Enter the ballot (February or July).
2. Receive invitation email if selected.
3. Complete online application form via UKVI.
4. Prove your identity (UKVI app or Visa Application Centre biometrics).
5. Upload supporting documents online.
6. Pay fees and IHS surcharge.
7. Await decision  usually within 3 to 6 weeks.

Required Documents

When applying for your visa, you’ll need:

• Valid Indian passport.
• Bank statements showing £2,530 savings.
• Degree certificate or proof of qualification.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required).
• Criminal record certificate.
• Translations of any documents not in English.

Costs and Financial Requirements

Applicants should budget for several costs:

• Visa fee: £319 (or £298 depending on UKVI updates).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year (£1,552 for two years).
• Personal savings: £2,530 to prove financial independence.

Visa Conditions What You Can and Cannot Do

Your visa comes with certain conditions.

What you can do

• Work in most jobs, including self-employment.
• Study short courses (if eligible).
• Travel in and out of the UK.
• Volunteer with charities.

What you cannot do

• Extend this visa beyond two years.
• Switch to another visa from inside the UK.
• Access most public funds.
• Work as a professional sportsperson.
• Bring dependants with you.

Visa Duration and What Happens Next

Length of stay

• The visa is valid for up to 24 months (2 years).

When you can enter

• From the start date on your visa approval notice.

After your visa expires

You must leave the UK unless you qualify for another visa category. Options include:

• Skilled Worker visa  with sponsorship from a licensed employer.
• Graduate visa  if you complete a UK degree.
• Student visa if you wish to pursue further education.
• Potential path to ILR if you later switch into a settlement route.

Real Life Example – How the YPS Visa Works

Priya, a 26-year-old business graduate from Mumbai, entered the February 2024 ballot. She was selected and submitted her visa application within 30 days.

Her costs were:

• £319 application fee
• £1,552 IHS
• £2,530 in savings

She moved to Manchester in July 2024 and worked for a local consultancy firm. She also travelled across the UK and took part in cultural events.

At the end of her visa, her employer offered sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, allowing her to continue living in the UK and eventually apply for settlement.

India Young Professionals Scheme Visa FAQs

Can I apply from inside the UK? 

No, you must apply from India.

What if I am not selected in the ballot? 

You cannot apply for the visa. You must wait for the next ballot and try again.

How long does the visa decision take? 

Usually within 3 to 6 weeks, depending on application volume.

Can I bring my partner or children? 

No, dependants are not allowed on this visa.

Do I need to pass the Life in the UK test? 

Not for this visa. You only need it for long-term settlement such as ILR.

Will I have access to the NHS? 

Yes, once you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Ballot: Random selection process to allocate visas.
• UKVI: UK Visas and Immigration.
• Home Office: Government department responsible for immigration.
• IHS: Immigration Health Surcharge, payment for NHS use.
• ILR: Indefinite Leave to Remain, a form of permanent residence in the UK.

Speak to Immigration Solicitors in Manchester

Applying for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa can feel overwhelming, especially with the ballot system and strict deadlines. Our dedicated Solicitors in Manchester are here to help you with:

• Checking eligibility and preparing documents.
• Submitting your visa application after a successful ballot.
• Exploring alternative visas if you are not selected.

Call us today on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment online.