Understanding India Young Professionals Visa Scheme (2024)

What is the India Young Professionals Scheme?

The India Young Professionals Scheme is an Initiative towards strengthening India-UK ties. This was announced for the first time in May 2021. It is a special type of visa that allows Indians (aged 18-30 years) to live and work in the UK for two consecutive years without any restrictions on the type of work being performed. However, this visa is granted only upon fulfilling certain conditions.

This visa is similar to other visas under the youth mobility scheme available to the people of Australia, Japan, Canada, etc.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Applying to this Scheme?

In order to apply for the Young Professionals Visa Scheme, you need to fulfill the following conditions -

• You must be an Indian citizen.
• You must be between the age of 18-30 years.
• You must be a graduate or a postgraduate.
• You must have a minimum of £2,530 in your bank account at the time of making the application.
• You must not have children who are below 18 years of age and are financially dependent on you.
• You must not have gone to the UK using the Young Professionals Visa or the Youth Mobility Visa previously.

How Does the India Young Professional Scheme Visa Ballot System Work?

There are a limited number of seats available under the Young Professionals Visa Scheme. For example, there are only 3000 seats for Indian nationals for FY 2023-24. Therefore, to ensure a fair selection process, you need to enter a ballot that selects people on a random basis. Here’s how it works -

• Enter a ballot for free to get selected randomly. Remember that entering the ballot does not ensure visa approval.
• To enter the ballot, you must meet the eligibility criteria and also provide proof of the same. You also have to provide some basic information about yourself, such as name, passport number, date of birth, email address, etc.
• You can enter the ballot online by visiting the official website of the UK government. However, you can enter the ballot only one peer year.
• The ballot can open at any time during the year. For FY 2023-24, the ballot opened on 1st October and will remain open till 31st October. You can enter the ballot within this time frame.
• The results of the ballot are announced within 10 working days after it closes.
• If you get selected, then you will get an invitation to apply for the Visa.
• You must submit your application within 30 days after receiving the invitation.

How to Apply for a Visa if the Ballot selects you?

In order to apply for a visa, you have to complete the following -

• Fill the Visa application form online and provide the necessary supporting documents such as an education certificate, passport, bank statement, etc.
• Pay the application fee of £259, which is non-refundable, and a health surcharge of £940.
• Prove your identity. Depending on the type of passport you have, you will either -
• Have to provide your fingerprints and photograph at the visa application center
• Use the ‘UK immigration: ID check app’ to scan your ID.

What are the Benefits and Limitations of the India Young Professionals Visa?

Here are the benefits and limitations of getting the India Young Professionals Visa -

Benefits:

• Study for some courses
• Work in most of the jobs
• Be self-employed and start a company - if your premises are rented, your equipment’s value does not exceed £5,000, and you have no employees.

Limitations:

• You can’t extend your stay period
• Can’t apply for most benefits (public benefits)
• Can’t include your family members in your application. Each individual has to apply separately.
• You can’t work as a professional sportsperson.

With its benefits and limitations, this program underscores the need for a well-prepared and informed approach for those eager to embark on this exciting journey of personal and professional growth. As India and the UK foster their partnership through initiatives like this, it remains an exciting opportunity for the next generation of global professionals. If you want to apply for the India Young Professionals visa scheme, you can do it now, as the window is open, and the last date to enter the ballot is 31st October 2023.