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
Under the India Young Professionals Scheme, participants are allowed to engage in a variety of activities during their stay in the UK, including:
a. Employment: Participants can work in most types of jobs during their time in the UK. This includes both full-time and part-time work. The scheme is designed to help young professionals gain valuable international work experience and enhance their career prospects. There are no restrictions on the sector or level of employment, but roles must comply with general UK employment laws. Some jobs, such as professional sportsperson roles or work as a doctor or dentist in training, are restricted unless specific conditions are met. For most applicants, the flexibility to take up different roles is one of the main advantages of the scheme.
b. Study: While the primary focus of the scheme is employment, participants may also pursue short-term educational courses or training that complements their professional development. However, their primary role should be working rather than studying. Applicants considering formal qualifications or longer academic courses should look at the Student visa route instead.
c. Travel: Participants can travel in and out of the UK during their stay, provided they comply with their visa conditions. This flexibility allows them to return home for visits or travel internationally. However, entry to other countries, such as those in the Schengen Area, is not automatically permitted and may require a separate visa. Any international travel should also be planned carefully to ensure it does not interfere with employment or cause visa compliance issues on re-entry to the UK.
d. Volunteering: Engaging in voluntary work is generally permitted, provided it does not replace paid employment or violate the visa conditions. Many participants use this opportunity to contribute to community projects, gain additional skills, or strengthen their CV alongside paid work. The key consideration is that volunteering must not be used to avoid compliance with employment laws or minimum wage rules.
e. Cultural Exchange: Participants are encouraged to engage in cultural activities and networking events, which can be a valuable part of the experience. This could include joining professional associations, attending industry events, or taking part in community and cultural programmes. Such involvement not only enriches the participant’s personal experience but also helps strengthen ties between India and the UK on a wider scale.
Participants must adhere to all visa conditions, including any limitations on the types of employment or study permitted, and comply with UK laws throughout their stay. Breaching conditions, such as working in a restricted role or studying full-time without the appropriate visa, can lead to visa curtailment and affect future UK immigration applications. Understanding these boundaries at the outset is key to making the most of the two-year opportunity under the scheme.
3. Dependants
The India Young Professionals Scheme does not allow dependants to accompany or join the main applicant. Applicants cannot have children under 18 who live with them or who they are financially responsible for. Partners and family members who wish to come to the UK would need to qualify in their own right under a separate visa route. If your circumstances change after applying (for example, a child is born or a dependent relationship arises), you must take advice promptly as you may no longer meet the scheme’s rules and switching options are limited.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
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 |
Overall, the eligibility requirements are strict and must be met in full to be considered in the ballot. Failure to satisfy any of the mandatory criteria, such as the age limit, qualification level, or financial requirement, will result in an application being refused even if the applicant is successful in the ballot.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Because the Home Office scrutinises applications closely to verify eligibility, you want to be confident you qualify before starting the process. A refused application wastes time and money. Evidence has to be comprehensive and presented in the correct format. If UKVI has any doubts or gaps, you can expect a refusal. Play it safe and submit a complete, well-prepared evidence bundle.
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 those selected in the ballot are eligible to proceed to the visa application. Once notified, applicants have 90 days to complete the online application form and pay the relevant fees. The visa fee is £319, and applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). For a two-year stay, the IHS is £776 per year, totalling £1,552. Both payments are made at the time of the online submission.
Applicants must also book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a facial photograph. At this stage, supporting documents are uploaded or submitted, typically including a valid Indian passport, evidence of a degree-level qualification, proof of English language ability where required, and bank statements confirming savings of at least £2,530 held for the specified 28-day period.
3. UKVI Checks and Decision
Once the application has been lodged, UKVI carries out checks to confirm eligibility. These include verifying degree qualifications, financial evidence, English language level and general suitability requirements, such as absence of serious criminal convictions or recent immigration breaches. Applicants are not required to attend an interview, but UKVI may request additional documents or clarification if anything is unclear or incomplete.
Most decisions are made within around three weeks of biometrics being provided. Successful applicants receive a decision letter and will need to set up their eVisa as proof of their immigration status, depending on UKVI procedures at the time. This status allows them to travel to the UK and live and work under the scheme for up to two years. Unsuccessful applicants are notified accordingly, and while the decision cannot usually be appealed, they may be able to enter the next ballot if they still meet the eligibility criteria.
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) |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The ballot is heavily oversubscribed and applicants are chosen entirely at random. While luck may decide who gets through, you want to do as much as you can to improve your chances with the application if you are selected. Waiting until selection to start gathering documents usually means you run out of time, and with only 90 days to apply, it pays to be ready with a complete application as soon as you are notified.
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 another type of UK visa. The most common option is the Skilled Worker visa, which allows longer-term stay if you have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. The role must meet minimum salary thresholds and skill level requirements. Another potential pathway is the Global Talent visa, open to individuals who can demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in fields such as science, digital technology, or the arts. Unlike the Skilled Worker route, this visa does not require sponsorship but involves endorsement by an approved UK body.
b. Graduate Route: The Graduate visa is only available to international students who have successfully completed an eligible degree in the UK under a Student visa. If you studied in the UK separately and meet those requirements, you may be able to apply. However, time spent under the IYPS does not count towards Graduate visa eligibility on its own. For those who have studied in the UK, the Graduate visa provides an additional two years (three years for PhD graduates) of unsponsored work rights.
c. Further Studies: If you wish to pursue a longer academic course, such as a master’s degree or PhD, you would need to switch into a Student visa. This route requires confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from a licensed UK education provider, proof of sufficient funds, and payment of tuition fees. While a Student visa does not provide full-time work rights, limited working hours are permitted, and successful completion of the course may later provide a route into the Graduate visa.
d. Family and Partner Routes: If you form a qualifying relationship while in the UK, you may be able to switch to a visa under the family route, such as a spouse or partner visa. These visas carry strict requirements around relationship evidence, financial thresholds, and English language ability, but they provide a pathway to settlement if granted.
e. Other Immigration Routes: Depending on your background, work history, or achievements, you may also be eligible for other UK visas. For example, business-oriented applicants could explore the Innovator Founder visa, while certain temporary roles may be available under the Global Business Mobility routes. Each has its own eligibility and documentation requirements, and professional advice is often useful to identify realistic options.
It is important to note that none of the time spent in the UK under the India Young Professionals Scheme counts towards settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). If your long-term plan is to stay in the UK permanently, you will need to secure another visa that leads to settlement and then complete the required qualifying residence period under that route.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
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?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. For advice and support with your UK application, either through the Young Professionals Scheme or to discuss alternative routes, contact us.
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 |
