A new immigration route is now open allowing young Indian nationals to work in the UK on a short term basis.
The India Young Professional Scheme (IYPS) visa permits Indian nationals aged between 18 and 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
How to apply for the India Young Professional Scheme
While the India Young Professional Scheme is similar to the UK’s existing Youth Mobility Scheme in many ways, there are notable differences. Most significantly, the IYPS involves a two-stage application process.
The first phase requires applicants to register with UKVI for the ballot. Only those who are successful in the ballot will be invited to apply for the visa. The Home Office has stated that 2,400 visas are available for the February ballot, with the next ballot anticipated to take place in late July.
The ballot system for the initial pool of applicants opened on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. India Standard Time, and closed on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 8:59 p.m. India Standard Time.
To be included in the ballot, applicants must submit the following information to UKVI:Â full name, date of birth, current passport photo or scan, phone number, and email address.
There is no fee to participate in the ballot, but all entries must be submitted online via the UKVI website.
Within two weeks of the ballot ending, successful candidates will be notified of their results. Entries are selected at random.
The second stage is open only to applicants that are successful in the ballot. After receiving confirmation of their successful entry, the applicant will then have 30 days to submit an online visa application and pay the application fee of £259 in addition to any applicable Immigration Health Surcharge.
Eligibility requirements
Prior to entering the ballot, applicants must verify that they meet all eligibility conditions for the scheme. They must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, be an Indian citizen, be between the ages of 18 and 30, and have at least £2,530 in savings.
They must not have children under 18 living with them or for whom they are financially responsible.
Need assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. For advice and support with your UK application, contact us.
Last updated: 28 February 2023