India Young Professionals Scheme Visa is a Youth Mobility Scheme route provided by the UK government which allows up to 3000 Indian nationals aged between 18-30 years old to reside, work and study in the UK without having a job sponsor for up to 24 months.
Introduced as part of the UK-India mobility partnership, it encourages cultural exchange and professional opportunities; and the 2026 ballot is being launched today, February 17, at 4pm GMT (9:30pm IST).
What is the Eligibility Criteria for India Young Professionals Scheme Visa?
Indian citizens between the age of 18-30 years (should be 18 by the date of travel) are eligible provided they possess a UK-equivalent bachelors degree or equivalent (RQF Level 6+) established through official records.
The minimum required is PS2,530 of personal savings (must be 28 days before application, not sponsored) and a valid passport, and success on a TB test in a recognized clinic.
Ineligible unless one has had a Youth Mobility Scheme visa previously, has children that are dependent under the age of 18, or wishes to establish oneself as a professional sportsperson.
What is the Ballot System?
The scheme allocates 3,000 spots each year fairly through a random ballot; most of these issues are in the first round. Free entry through GOV.UK on open windows: scan passport, fill in details, email and phone; one per ballot.
In the case of 2026, the initial ballot is 17-19 (closes 2:30pm IST); results are to be emailed within 2 weeks, with 90 days remaining to apply; subsequent ballots on leftovers.
What is the Application Process?
Following the success of ballots, use the online platform within 90 days at GOV.UK
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upload passport, degree evidence (translated where necessary), 28-day bank statements, TB certificate and state that you have no dependents.
Pay applications, biometric enrollment at a UKVCAS facility (in India), and wait between 3 weeks; pick BRP or digital visa. Travel to the UK in 6 months of grant, no priority service.
Costs and Fees
The visa charge is PS319 per individual, and PS1,552 Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to 24 months NHS entitlement. The tuition fee (TB test) will cost him/her around 7,000, biometrics 1,500, document translation, and evidence of PS2,530 savings (no sponsor permitted).
What are the Rights and Restrictions for Visa Users?
Visa users are free to do work of any paid/unpaid (except self-employment exceeding PS5,000 equipment or employing others), study short courses (ATAS clearance exception postgraduate science/tech), travel in/out UK.
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Restrictions: no public funds / benefits, no family dependants, no extension/ switch to other routes, no pro sports coaching/ playing. Age restriction does not apply after grant; change of address of report.
The participants have access to UK work experience in diverse sectors, networking and have the opportunity of attending English courses or non degree training without any sponsorship.
No employment provided required initial investment and thus it was more flexible to young Indians.
Also Read: What is PM Rahat Scheme? Benifits, Eligibility, How to Apply and Other Details
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