UK India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
Live, Work and Build Your Future in the United Kingdom
Are you an Indian citizen aged 18 to 30 and looking to experience life and work in the UK?
The UK India Young Professionals Scheme Visa offers you the chance to live, work and explore the United Kingdom for up to two years.
This initiative promotes cultural exchange and professional development between India and the UK, giving young professionals the opportunity to gain international experience.
Our immigration solicitors guide you through every stage of the process, from preparing for the ballot to submitting a complete and compliant visa application once selected.
Call 020 8166 1898 or contact us online to begin your application journey.
Book your FREE consultation today!
Live, Work and Build Your Future in the United Kingdom
Are you an Indian citizen aged 18 to 30 and looking to experience life and work in the UK?
The UK India Young Professionals Scheme Visa offers you the chance to live, work and explore the United Kingdom for up to two years.
This initiative promotes cultural exchange and professional development between India and the UK, giving young professionals the opportunity to gain international experience.
Our immigration solicitors guide you through every stage of the process, from preparing for the ballot to submitting a complete and compliant visa application once selected.
Call 020 8166 1898 or contact us online to begin your application journey.
Understanding the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
The India Young Professionals Scheme is a bilateral agreement between India and the United Kingdom. It allows selected Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 to live, work and study in the UK for up to two years.
Before applying, you must enter a ballot system. Only those who are selected receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
This reciprocal arrangement reflects both countries’ shared commitment to supporting youth mobility and cultural collaboration.
To apply successfully for the YPS visa, you must meet the following Home Office criteria.
Age
You must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of your application.
Citizenship
You must hold a valid Indian passport covering your entire stay in the UK.
Education
You must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree (RQF Level 6 or above).
If your degree was not taught in English, you may need to prove English language proficiency.
Financial Independence
You must show that you have held sufficient personal savings for a continuous period before applying.
The balance must not fall below the required amount during that time.
Character and Health
You must have a clean criminal record and, if required, provide a police clearance certificate.
A tuberculosis (TB) test may also be required depending on your circumstances.
What You Can and Cannot Do on a YPS Visa
What You Can Do
You may work in most sectors and roles without restriction.
You may study in the UK, although some technical subjects may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
You may be self-employed provided you have no employees, own no business premises other than your home, and keep business assets within permitted limits.
What You Cannot Do
You cannot extend or renew your visa beyond two years.
You cannot bring dependants as part of your visa.
You cannot access public funds or welfare benefits.
You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
Failure to follow these conditions can lead to visa cancellation and future refusals.
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To apply for the YPS visa, you must first enter the official ballot.
Only those randomly selected receive an invitation to apply from the UK Government.
Once invited, you have 90 days to complete your visa application, including document uploads, biometrics, and payment.
The ballot is random, but success after selection depends on how well your documents are prepared.
2026 Ballot Entry Checklist
Preparing early gives you an advantage.
Our solicitors have created the 2026 Ballot Entry Checklist to help you prepare your documents before the ballot opens.
The checklist includes:
• Degree verification guidance to ensure your qualification meets UK equivalence standards
• Financial evidence timing advice for meeting the 28 day rule
• Police and TB certificate requirements
• Guidance on preparing and organising supporting documents
• Proof of English and translation requirements
• The Date Certain calculation method to avoid premature submission
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Enter the Ballot
Register during official Home Office windows. We can help confirm your eligibility and readiness beforehand.
Invitation to Apply
If selected, you must complete your online visa application within the time stated in your invitation.
Visa Fees
Home Office application fees apply. We will confirm the latest figures during your consultation.
Immigration Health Surcharge
A healthcare surcharge is payable as part of your application. Our solicitors will confirm the current rate and ensure correct calculation for your visa duration.
Biometrics
You may verify your identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app or by attending a visa application centre in India.
Decision Time
The Home Office usually issues decisions within a few weeks. Priority processing may be available in some locations.
Professional Fees
Our professional fees are separate from Home Office costs and will be confirmed in your engagement letter before any work begins.
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Winning the ballot is random, but success at the visa stage is not.
We provide a Pre Selection Audit that checks your financial and educational documents before you enter the ballot, ensuring that if you are selected, you are ready to apply within the 90 day window.
We also conduct a Date Certain Review to calculate the precise safe date for your financial evidence, preventing refusals caused by applying too early.
Our process turns a random selection into a planned legal success.
How Long Can You Stay on a YPS Visa
You can live, work and travel freely in the UK for up to two years from the date your visa starts.
Turning 31 after arrival does not affect your visa validity, as age is only assessed at the time of application.
Your Case Team
India Young Professionals Scheme Visa cases are handled by our Immigration Department Team.
All cases are overseen by Rana Aslam Zia Khan, Director of Immigration Solicitors UK.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
The YPS visa is a rare and competitive opportunity. Our immigration solicitors can prepare your ballot entry, check your eligibility, and guide you through every stage of the process.
Call 020 8166 1898 or send an enquiry online to book your consultation and get started before the next ballot opens.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa?
Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 with a bachelor’s degree or higher and sufficient personal savings may apply.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
No, you can apply without a job offer or sponsorship. You are free to work for any employer or be self employed within the permitted limits.
How does the ballot work?
The UK Government randomly selects applicants who have registered their interest. If chosen, you will receive an invitation to apply and must complete your application within the stated time.
What documents do I need to apply?
Your passport, degree certificate, proof of savings, police certificate, TB test (if applicable), and certified translations where required.
Can I extend or stay longer than two years?
No, the YPS visa cannot be extended. However, you may switch into another visa category such as the Skilled Worker route if you meet the requirements.
Can this visa lead to settlement in the UK?
Not directly, but you can use it as a pathway. Many YPS visa holders later switch to Skilled Worker or Family visas that can lead to permanent residence.
