Section A: What is the India Young Professionals Scheme?

The India Young Professionals Scheme is a programme designed to facilitate the exchange of young professionals between India and the United Kingdom. It allows Indian citizens, aged between 18 and 30, to live and work in the UK for up to two years. The scheme is part of a wider Youth Mobility framework and was agreed as a reciprocal arrangement between the UK and Indian governments to support cultural and professional links. For many applicants, the scheme provides a first opportunity to experience life and work in the UK without the need for a job offer or sponsorship (which most UK work visas require), making it an attractive option for those seeking international exposure.

1.  UK-India Young Professionals or Youth Mobility Scheme?

The India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS) visa is a dedicated route for Indian nationals aged 18 to 30. It was agreed as part of a bilateral arrangement between the UK and India and offers 3,000 places each year, allocated through two ballot rounds. The IYPS has additional eligibility requirements compared with the standard Youth Mobility Scheme, including holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, meeting an English language requirement and proving financial stability. Applicants cannot bring dependants and must not be responsible for children under 18.

The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is the wider framework under which nationals of certain countries can apply to live and work in the UK for up to two years without sponsorship. While the conditions are similar to IYPS, the YMS applies to other nationalities, such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, and does not always require degree-level qualifications. The IYPS is therefore best understood as a country-specific extension of the Youth Mobility Scheme with stricter eligibility rules tailored to Indian applicants.

2. Permissible Activities

Participants of the India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS) are afforded the opportunity to engage in a range of activities during their stay in the UK, subject to the visa’s conditions. The key permissible activities include:

a. Employment
Participants are permitted to undertake employment in most sectors, both full-time and part-time, across a wide array of roles. The primary objective of the IYPS is to enable young professionals to gain international work experience, thereby enhancing their career prospects. While there are no sector-specific restrictions, employment must comply with all relevant UK labour laws. However, certain roles, such as those in professional sports or in the medical field (e.g., doctors or dentists in training), are restricted unless additional criteria are met. For the majority of applicants, the flexibility to pursue various roles within the framework of the scheme is a significant advantage.

b. Study
Although the principal focus of the IYPS is on employment, participants are permitted to pursue short-term study or training courses that complement their professional development. However, it is important to note that the participant’s primary activity should remain employment rather than academic study. Those wishing to pursue formal qualifications or longer academic programs are advised to explore alternative visa routes, such as the Student visa.

c. Travel
The IYPS allows participants to travel freely in and out of the UK during their stay, subject to compliance with the visa’s terms and conditions. This flexibility enables participants to return home or travel internationally. However, it is crucial to remember that travel to other countries, such as those within the Schengen Area, is not automatically permitted and may require additional visas. Careful planning of travel is essential to ensure it does not conflict with employment obligations or result in any compliance issues upon re-entry into the UK.

d. Volunteering
Engagement in voluntary work is generally allowed, provided it does not displace paid employment or breach the conditions set by the visa. Many participants take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to local community projects, gain new skills, or enhance their CVs while employed. However, it is vital that any volunteering activity does not circumvent employment laws or avoid obligations related to the national minimum wage.

e. Cultural Exchange
The scheme also encourages participants to engage in cultural exchange activities, which are integral to the broader experience. These may include attending industry-specific events, joining professional associations, or participating in community and cultural programs. Such activities not only enrich the participant’s personal and professional life but also serve to foster stronger UK-India ties on a global scale.

It is critical for all participants to strictly adhere to the conditions of their visa, including any restrictions on the type of employment or study permitted. Violating these conditions, such as engaging in unauthorized work or pursuing full-time study without the appropriate visa, can lead to severe consequences, including the curtailment of the visa and potential negative impacts on future immigration applications. Participants are advised to carefully understand and follow these requirements to fully benefit from the two-year opportunity offered by the IYPS.

3. Dependants

The India Young Professionals Scheme has strict rules when it comes to dependants. Essentially, it doesn’t allow dependants, including children under 18, to accompany the main applicant or join them later. Applicants cannot have any dependants—like children they are financially responsible for—living with them. If you have a partner or family members who want to come to the UK, they would need to apply for a visa on their own, under a separate route.

If your situation changes after you’ve applied (e.g., if you have a child or a new dependent comes into the picture), it’s important to seek advice quickly. You may no longer meet the scheme’s requirements, and the options for switching to another route might be very limited.

It’s crucial to stay on top of this, as any changes to your dependent status could complicate things.

Be absolutely clear on what activities are allowed and what are prohibited. If you breach the visa conditions, even inadvertently, your visa can be curtailed and the breach will be permanently recorded on your UK immigration history.

Section B: India Young Professionals Scheme Eligibility Criteria

Under the scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria, including educational qualifications and financial stability, to ensure they can support themselves during their stay.

As such, prior to entering the ballot, applicants must verify that they meet all eligibility conditions for the scheme, as set by the UK government.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of making the application, and hold a valid Indian passport throughout the duration of their stay in the United Kingdom.

They must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, recognised by the UK as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree. Applicants will need to prove their proficiency in the English language through an approved test at a minimum of level B1 on the CEFR scale, unless they have already obtained a degree taught in English. The Home Office accepts qualifications assessed by UK ENIC as meeting equivalency requirements, and applicants should be prepared to provide the necessary documentation confirming their degree level and language of instruction.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their initial period in the UK. This means showing proof of savings of at least £2,530, held for a consecutive 28-day period within the 31 days before the application date. The requirement is designed to ensure that applicants will not need to rely on public funds while in the UK. Evidence of these funds is typically provided through bank statements, and applicants should ensure that the statements clearly show their name, account details, and the balance held during the qualifying period.

They must not have children under 18 living with them or for whom they are financially responsible. This restriction is intended to limit the scheme to individuals who can fully participate in professional and cultural exchange without dependants. Applicants who do have dependants will need to consider alternative visa routes.

Applicants may also be refused on wider suitability grounds under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules. This means they must not have serious criminal convictions, recent immigration breaches or other factors that would make them ineligible under the Immigration Rules. As part of the visa process, applicants may be asked to provide a police clearance certificate or other evidence to confirm they meet the character requirements.

Unlike sponsored work visas, there is no requirement to show a job offer or employment prospects in the UK at the time of applying. The India Young Professionals Scheme is designed to give participants the flexibility to find work once in the UK, and it does not tie them to a specific employer or role.

Requirement	Details	Evidence Needed
Age	Must be 18–30 at time of application	Passport showing date of birth
Nationality	Indian citizen with a valid Indian passport	Valid Indian passport
Qualification	Bachelor’s degree or higher, equivalent to UK degree	Degree certificate and UK ENIC confirmation if required
English language	Must meet B1 CEFR level unless degree taught in English	English test certificate or degree transcript
Financial requirement	At least £2,530 held for 28 consecutive days	Bank statements showing funds
Dependants	No dependants allowed, must not be responsible for children under 18	Self-declaration and application checks
Suitability	No serious criminal convictions or recent immigration breaches	Police clearance or background checks

 

The eligibility requirements for the India Young Professionals Scheme are stringent and must be fully satisfied to be considered for the ballot. Any failure to meet the mandatory criteria—such as the specified age limit, the required level of educational qualifications, or the financial proof of sufficient funds—will result in the immediate refusal of the application, regardless of the applicant’s success in the ballot. It is imperative that all conditions are thoroughly met prior to submitting the application, as non-compliance with even a single requirement will render the applicant ineligible for consideration, thus precluding any further advancement in the application process. Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that all necessary documentation is complete, accurate, and in full accordance with the guidelines set forth by the UK government to avoid the risk of refusal.

Given that the Home Office meticulously reviews all applications to verify eligibility, it is crucial to ensure that you fully qualify before initiating the process. A refused application is not only a waste of time but also of money, and could result in unnecessary delays. All supporting evidence must be thorough, accurate, and presented in the correct format as stipulated by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) guidelines.

If there are any inconsistencies, gaps, or doubts in the documentation, the likelihood of refusal increases significantly. To mitigate the risk of refusal, it is essential to submit a complete, well-organised, and comprehensive evidence bundle from the outset. Playing it safe by double-checking that all documents meet the required standards can save you from costly mistakes and ensure a smoother application process.

Section C: Application and Selection Process

The India Young Professionals Scheme involves a two-stage process: entering the ballot and, if selected, completing a full visa application. The scheme is heavily oversubscribed, so applicants must understand each stage clearly and ensure they meet all requirements before applying.

1. Entering the Ballot

The first stage is to register for the ballot during the application window, which usually opens for only a few days. There are two ballots each year. The majority of places are allocated in the February ballot, with the remaining places offered in the July ballot. Exact dates are announced on the GOV.UK website in advance of each round.

The scheme offers a total of 3,000 places annually, with 2,400 places in February and 600 in July. The ballot is random, meaning that selection is not influenced by qualifications, work history or the timing of your application. Demand is typically far higher than the available number of visas, so selection cannot be guaranteed even if you meet all the eligibility criteria.

To enter the ballot, applicants must provide UKVI with their full name, date of birth, a scan or photograph of their passport, phone number and email address. Entries must be submitted online, and only one entry is permitted per person in each ballot. There is no fee to enter. Within around two weeks of the ballot closing, UKVI contacts successful applicants by email. Those not selected are not offered feedback and must wait until the next ballot if they want to try again.

2. Visa Application Stage

Only individuals selected through the ballot are eligible to move forward with the visa application. Once you are notified, you have 90 days to complete the online form and pay the required fees. The visa fee is £319, and you must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). For a stay of two years, the IHS amounts to £776 per year, which totals £1,552. Both payments are made at the time of submitting your online application. Applicants must also schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a facial photo. During this stage, supporting documents must be uploaded or submitted. Commonly required documents include a valid Indian passport, proof of a degree-level qualification, English language ability evidence (if applicable), and bank statements showing savings of at least £2,530 held for a continuous 28-day period.

3. UKVI Checks and Decision

After the application is submitted, UKVI conducts checks to confirm the applicant’s eligibility. This involves verifying qualifications, financial evidence, English proficiency, and general suitability factors, such as the absence of serious criminal convictions or recent immigration violations. Applicants typically do not need to attend an interview, but UKVI may ask for additional documents or clarification if something is missing or unclear.

Most decisions are made within approximately three weeks of the biometric submission. Successful applicants will receive a decision letter and will need to set up their eVisa to confirm their immigration status, following the relevant UKVI process at that time. This status permits them to travel to the UK and live and work under the scheme for up to two years. Applicants who are unsuccessful will be notified, and while the decision is typically not subject to appeal, they may be eligible to enter the next ballot if they still meet the requirements.

4. If You Are Selected or Not Selected

If you are selected in the ballot, you have 90 days to prepare and submit your visa application. This means gathering all required documentation in advance is crucial, as failure to apply in time will mean losing your place. Once the application is lodged and processed, a successful outcome gives you permission to enter and live in the UK for up to two years.

If you are not selected, you will not be offered feedback or an alternative option under the scheme. Your entry simply expires, and you will need to wait until the next ballot if you wish to try again. As the scheme is oversubscribed, it is common for eligible applicants to miss out, and re-entering in the following round is often the only way forward.

5. Costs and Processing Times

The overall cost of applying under the India Young Professionals Scheme includes the £319 visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,552, payable upfront. Applicants must also demonstrate savings of at least £2,530 to meet the financial requirement, though this amount is not paid to the Home Office but must be shown in a personal bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

Processing times after biometrics are generally around three weeks, though applicants should allow extra time for preparing documents, booking a Visa Application Centre appointment and arranging travel to the UK once a decision has been made. Planning for the financial and time commitments at the outset helps avoid unnecessary delays or difficulties once selected.

Item	Amount	When payable
Visa application fee	£319	Paid online when submitting the visa application
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£776 per year (£1,552 total for 2 years)	Paid online at application checkout
Maintenance funds	£2,530 (not a fee)	Shown via bank statements covering a 28-day period
TB test certificate (India)	Clinic fee varies	Before application/biometrics; upload certificate
English language test (if required)	Provider fee varies	Before application; upload test certificate
UK ENIC statement (if needed)	Service fee varies	Before application; upload equivalency confirmation
Biometric appointment	Standard included; premium services extra	At Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Courier / document services (optional)	VAC fee varies	Selected at VAC if needed
Priority processing (optional)	Fee varies by service/location	Selected during application or at VAC (if available)

 

The ballot for the scheme is highly oversubscribed, and applicants are selected at random. While luck plays a big role in who gets chosen, it’s important to take steps to maximize your chances once selected. Waiting until you’re notified to start collecting your documents often leads to time constraints. With just 90 days to submit your application, it’s crucial to be prepared with all the necessary paperwork as soon as you’re informed.

Section D: Post-Young Professionals Scheme Visa Options to Remain in the UK

Extending your stay in the UK beyond the duration of the India Young Professionals Scheme is not permitted under the scheme’s rules. The visa is valid for up to two years, and extensions are not available. However, if you wish to remain in the UK after your IYPS visa expires, there are other visa routes that may be open to you, depending on your circumstances. Planning ahead is vital, as you must switch before your current visa ends to avoid overstaying.

a. Switching to a Different Work Visa: Before your current visa expires, you may be eligible to apply for a different type of UK visa. A common option is the Skilled Worker visa, which allows for a longer stay if you have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. The role must meet minimum salary and skill level requirements. Another potential route is the Global Talent visa, aimed at individuals who can show exceptional talent or potential in fields like science, digital technology, or the arts. Unlike the Skilled Worker route, this visa doesn’t require employer sponsorship but does require endorsement from an approved UK body.

b. Graduate Route: The Graduate visa is available to international students who have completed a qualifying degree in the UK under a Student visa. If you’ve studied in the UK and meet the necessary criteria, you may be able to apply. However, time spent on the IYPS doesn’t count towards Graduate visa eligibility by itself. For those who have studied in the UK, the Graduate visa grants an additional two years of unsponsored work rights (three years for PhD graduates).

c. Further Studies: If you want to continue with higher education, such as pursuing a master’s degree or PhD, you’ll need to switch to a Student visa. This requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK educational institution, proof of sufficient funds, and payment of tuition fees. While the Student visa doesn’t offer full-time work rights, limited work hours are allowed. Completing the course successfully may later provide a route to apply for the Graduate visa.

d. Family and Partner Routes: If you enter a qualifying relationship while in the UK, you may be able to switch to a family visa, such as a spouse or partner visa. These visas come with strict requirements, including evidence of the relationship, meeting financial thresholds, and demonstrating English language proficiency. If granted, they can provide a pathway to settlement.

e. Other Immigration Routes: Depending on your background, work history, or achievements, you might be eligible for other UK visas. For example, business-focused applicants could consider the Innovator Founder visa, while certain short-term roles may be available under the Global Business Mobility routes. Each of these has specific eligibility and documentation requirements, and seeking professional advice can help you identify the most appropriate options.

It’s important to remember that time spent in the UK under the India Young Professionals Scheme does not count toward settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). If your long-term goal is to stay in the UK permanently, you will need to obtain a visa that leads to settlement and complete the necessary qualifying residence period under that visa route.

With an IYPS visa, you need to plan ahead. It only lasts 2 years, and cannot be extended. The time will fly! You will need to be clear on what happens next because you can’t simply stay on in the UK after your visa expires, at least not without securing a new visa, and that will take time.

Section E: Summary

The India Young Professionals Scheme is one of the most competitive UK immigration programmes available to Indian nationals. It offers those aged 18 to 30 the opportunity to live and work in the UK for up to two years, gaining international experience without the need for sponsorship or a prior job offer. For many, it provides a rare chance to explore UK life and employment while building professional and cultural connections.

However, the scheme is heavily oversubscribed and operates on a random ballot system. Selection is entirely by chance and not based on the strength of the applicant’s qualifications or career history. With only 3,000 places available each year and demand far exceeding supply, the chances of success are uncertain even for fully eligible candidates. As a result, applicants should prepare for the possibility of not being selected and consider alternative UK immigration routes if their long-term aim is to live and work in the UK.

Importantly, time spent in the UK under the scheme does not count towards settlement. Those looking to remain in the UK permanently will need to switch into a different visa category that leads to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker or family routes. Advance planning is therefore advisable, both to prepare for the ballot outcome and to ensure longer-term immigration objectives can still be achieved.

Section F: Need Assistance?

We are UK immigration experts. Whether you need guidance on your application for the Young Professionals Scheme or want to explore other UK visa options, we’re here to help. Contact us for expert advice and support throughout your immigration process.

Section G: UK-India Young Professionals Scheme FAQs

What is the India Young Professionals Scheme?

The India Young Professionals Scheme allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years. It was created as part of a reciprocal agreement between the UK and India to strengthen professional and cultural links. Successful applicants are granted broad work rights and can also study short courses, volunteer and travel in and out of the UK during their stay.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30, hold a valid passport, and have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification that is recognised as equivalent to a UK degree. They must also meet the financial requirement of at least £2,530 in savings, held for 28 consecutive days, and satisfy the English language requirement unless exempt. They must not have children under 18 who live with them or for whom they are financially responsible.

Can I bring my spouse or children on IYPS?

No. Dependants are not permitted under the scheme. You cannot apply with a partner or children, and you must not be responsible for a child under 18. If your family members wish to live in the UK, they would need to apply under a separate visa route that they qualify for in their own right.

How do I apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme?

Applications are made in two stages. First, you must enter the ballot during one of the two annual windows. If selected, you will then be invited to complete the full visa application within 90 days. The process includes paying the £319 application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,552 for two years), submitting supporting documents, and attending a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre.

What documents are required for the application?

You will need to provide a valid Indian passport, evidence of degree-level qualifications, proof of English language ability if required, and bank statements showing at least £2,530 in savings held for the required period. You may also be asked for additional documentation if UKVI requires clarification during the decision process.

How is the selection process conducted?

Selection is carried out through a random ballot system. The ballot is not influenced by an applicant’s qualifications, employment history or the timing of their entry. If selected, you are invited to proceed to the visa application stage. If not selected, you must wait until the next ballot and reapply if you still meet the eligibility criteria.

Will I have to attend an interview?

No. Interviews are not part of the India Young Professionals Scheme process. Decisions are based on the online application, supporting documents and UKVI checks. In some cases, UKVI may request additional information or evidence if anything is unclear.

What happens after I am selected?

If selected, you have 90 days to submit your visa application and pay the required fees. Once your biometrics and documents are submitted, UKVI usually makes a decision within around three weeks. If successful, you will be issued a visa vignette or granted digital status allowing you to travel to the UK and live and work for up to two years.

What happens if I am not selected?

If you are not selected, you will not receive feedback and there is no right of appeal. You will need to wait for the next ballot if you wish to try again, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements.

Can I extend my stay in the UK?

No. The India Young Professionals Scheme visa is granted for a maximum of two years and cannot be extended. Time spent under the scheme does not count towards settlement. If you wish to remain in the UK longer, you must apply to switch into another visa category before your IYPS visa expires.

Section H: Glossary

Term	Definition
Ballot	A random selection process used by UKVI to decide which applicants can apply for the visa. The ballot takes place twice a year for IYPS applicants.
Ballot Round	The specific window in February or July when eligible applicants can register their interest in the scheme. Most places are allocated in February, with the remainder in July.
Biometric Information	Fingerprints and a facial photograph taken at a Visa Application Centre to confirm an applicant’s identity as part of the visa process.
Degree-Level Qualification	A qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher, as confirmed by UK ENIC or by being awarded by an institution recognised by UKVI.
Digital Immigration Status	An online record of a person’s immigration status, increasingly replacing physical documents such as BRPs. It allows employers and landlords to check a visa holder’s rights online.
Financial Requirement	The requirement for applicants to show at least £2,530 in personal savings, held for a consecutive 28-day period, to prove they can support themselves in the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	A mandatory payment as part of the visa application that gives access to NHS services in the UK. For IYPS, the charge is £776 per year, totalling £1,552 for two years.
National Insurance Number	A unique reference number used in the UK tax and social security system. It is required for working and paying tax legally in the UK.
Visa Vignette	A sticker placed in the applicant’s passport when a visa is granted, used for entry to the UK. Once in the UK, the vignette may be replaced by a BRP or digital status.

 

Section I: Additional Resources

Resource	Description	Link
UK Government – India Young Professionals Scheme visa	Official guidance on eligibility, ballot, application and conditions.	https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa
UK Government – Youth Mobility routes	Wider Youth Mobility framework and rules relevant to IYPS.	https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
UKVI – Contact	How to contact UKVI inside and outside the UK.	https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk
UKVCAS – Biometric appointments	Book and attend biometrics for your visa application.	https://www.gov.uk/ukvcas
UK ENIC – Qualification recognition	Confirm degree equivalence to UK standards.	https://www.enic.org.uk
NHS – Immigration Health Surcharge	Pay the IHS and understand healthcare access.	https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
British Council India	Resources for Indian nationals studying or working in the UK.	https://www.britishcouncil.in