Key Points
- The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) ballot opened on February 18, 2025, and closed on February 20, 2025.
- Indian nationals aged 18-30 can enter the ballot for a chance to live, work, study, and travel in the UK for up to two years.
- Applicants must qualify equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree and have proof of at least £2,530 in savings.
- No fee is required to enter the ballot, and selection is random.
Overview
The United Kingdom opened the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) ballot on February 18, 2025. This scheme allows eligible Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 to apply for a two-year visa to live, work, study, or travel in the UK. The ballot remained open until February 20, 2025, after which selected applicants will be invited to apply for the visa.
The YPS is part of a bilateral agreement between the UK and India to strengthen people-to-people ties and economic cooperation. Successful applicants will receive a temporary work visa, enabling them to work in the UK without employer sponsorship.
Eligibility Criteria
To enter the YPS ballot, applicants must:
- Be an Indian national aged 18 to 30 during planned travel to the UK.
- Qualify equivalent to at least a UK bachelor’s degree.
- Hhave at least £2,530 in savings to support themselves in the UK.
- Not have dependents who rely on them financially.
Ballot Process
- Applicants do not need to pay to enter the ballot.
- Selection is random, and only those selected will be invited to apply for a YPS visa.
- Selected applicants will have a limited time to submit their visa applications.
Applicants should meet all eligibility requirements before entering the ballot to avoid disqualification.
Looking Ahead
The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme continues to offer an excellent opportunity for Indian nationals to gain international work experience and explore career opportunities in the UK. Given the limited number of available places, interested individuals should prepare by gathering the necessary documentation and confirming their eligibility before the ballot opens.
As demand for YPS visas is highly competitive, applicants not selected may have additional opportunities in future ballots. Monitoring official UK government announcements for updates on subsequent YPS ballot rounds is advisable.
