What is the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa?

The India Young Professionals Scheme Visa is a special visa route that allows eligible Indian citizens aged 18–30 to live, work, and travel in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years. This visa is part of a reciprocal agreement between the UK and India and is operated through a ballot system.

Key Features:

Stay in the UK for up to 24 months
Work in most jobs, be self-employed, or travel freely
No need for a UK job offer before applying
Ballot-based application system (you must be selected to apply)

Who Can Apply?

To enter the ballot, you must:

Be an Indian citizen aged between 18 and 30
Hold a graduate-level qualification or higher
Have £2,530 in savings (held for at least 28 days)
Have no dependent children
Not previously held a UK Youth Mobility or YPS visa
Meet all general visa and health requirements
The Ballot System
The visa operates on a ballot (lottery) basis, with limited slots released twice a year.

How it Works:

Ballot opens (usually in February and July)
Interested applicants submit their entry online
The UK government randomly selects candidates
Selected individuals are invited to apply for the visa
If not selected, you can re-enter the next ballot
Note: Ballot entry is free. You only pay the visa fees if selected.

Visa Quota for 2025

3,000 visas are available to Indian citizens for the year.
Roughly half the quota is allocated in each ballot round.

Visa Fees

Application fee: £298
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,552 (for 2 years)
Processing Time
After applying, you’ll usually receive a decision within 3 weeks, that’s a quick decision time!
What You Can Do on This Visa

Live and travel freely within the UK

Work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed
Study (some courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
What You Cannot
Bring dependants (children or partner)

Work as a professional sportsperson or coach

Extend your visa beyond 2 years

Access public funds (benefits)

For further advice Book your Advice Appointment Here