India Young Professionals Scheme 2025 – Work & Live in the UK

How to Enter the India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot

The selection process for this visa is conducted through a ballot system, meaning applicants must first secure a spot before proceeding with the full application. As the ballot remains open for only 48 hours, applicants must be fully prepared before submission.

Key Dates for the 2025 Ballot

• Opens: 18th February 2025, 2:30 PM IST
• Closes: 20th February 2025, 2:30 PM IST
• Results Announced: By 20th February 2025

Important Notes About the Ballot

• Entry is free, but only those serious about applying should enter.
• The application fee for the visa is £298.
• Each applicant is allowed only one entry per ballot cycle. Any duplicate entries will be rejected.
• Selection is random, ensuring an equal chance for all eligible candidates.
• The ballot link will be available on Gov.uk during the designated time frame.

Required Information for Ballot Entry

To enter the ballot, you must submit:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Passport Details (including a scanned copy)
• Phone Number
• Email Address

Successful applicants will receive an email invitation to proceed with the visa application within two weeks of the ballot closing.

Eligibility Criteria for the India Young Professionals Scheme

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

✔️ Indian citizen aged 18-30 years.

✔️ Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher (equivalent to RQF Level 6, 7, or 8).

✔️ Have at least £2,530 in savings to support themselves upon arrival.

✔️ Have no dependents under 18 living with them.

✔️ Apply from outside the UK.

✔️ Provide a valid police clearance certificate and TB test result (if applicable).

It is important to apply within 90 days of receiving the invitation email, ensuring all fees and biometric information are submitted on time.

Required Documents for Your Visa Application

Applicants must submit the following documents:

📌 Valid passport (or proof of identity and nationality).

📌 Bank statement proving £2,530 in available funds over 28 consecutive days.

📌 Degree certificate or confirmation of study completion.

📌 TB test certificate (if required by the UK Home Office).

📌 Police clearance certificate from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

📌 Certified translations for any documents not in English or Welsh (Gov.uk guide on certifying documents).

📌 Proof of accommodation in the UK may also be required.

The police clearance certificate is mandatory and can take 7-10 days for in-person applications or up to 30 days for postal applications. There is no fast-track process for police clearance.

Applicants must also ensure that their passport has at least one blank page for visa stamping.

What You Can and Cannot Do with the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa

Once granted, this visa allows you to:

✅ Work in the UK in most industries (excluding professional sports).

✅ Be self-employed, provided:

• Your business premises are rented.
• Your total investment in equipment does not exceed £5,000.
• You do not employ staff.

✅ Study in the UK (some courses may require an ATAS certificate).

✅ Travel freely to and from the UK during the visa duration.

However, you cannot:

❌ Bring dependents (partners or children must apply separately).

❌ Extend this visa beyond 24 months.

❌ Access public funds or social welfare benefits.

While this visa cannot be renewed, applicants may switch to another UK visa category—such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Global Talent Visa—if they qualify.

What Happens If You Are Not Selected?

If you are not selected in the ballot, you can:

• Reapply in the July 2025 ballot.
• Explore alternative UK visas, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, if you have a job offer.
• Consider reapplying in subsequent years, as there are no restrictions on reapplying.

The ballot results are final, and there is no appeals process for unsuccessful applicants.