UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025: The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025 offers an opportunity for 3,000 Indian nationals to live, work, study, and travel in the UK for up to two years. Interested candidates can now register online to enter a free online ballot on the official UK government website.
The ballot will open at 2:30 PM (IST) on February 18 and close at 2:30 PM (IST) on February 20. Successful applicants will be randomly selected and notified within two weeks after the ballot closes.
UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025: Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an Indian national aged 18 to 30 at the time of planned travel.
- Hold a UK-recognized bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.
- Provide proof of at least £2,530 (approximately INR 2,70,824) in personal savings for financial support.
- Ensure a minimum balance of INR 2,50,000 is maintained in their bank account for 30 consecutive days.
- Not have dependent children under 18.
- Meet all eligibility criteria before entering the ballot.
Notably, individuals holding a Youth Mobility Scheme visa are not eligible.
UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025: Ballot and application process
The ballot entry process is simple and free. Applicants must submit their personal details, including name, date of birth, passport information, phone number, and email, along with a scanned copy of their passport. Only those selected in the random draw will receive an email invitation to apply for the visa.
Once invited, applicants must submit an online visa application within 90 days, complete biometric verification, and pay the necessary fees. Funds must be maintained for 28 consecutive days, with the final day falling within 31 days of the visa application date.
The application requires a £298 visa fee and a £1,552 healthcare surcharge. If rejected, the application fee is non-refundable. The visa allows a stay of up to 24 months, during which individuals can enter and exit the UK freely. Those turning 31 after receiving the visa can remain in the UK for the full duration of its validity.
UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025: What it entails for students
With this visa, individuals can study (some courses require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate), work in most jobs, and start a business within specific financial and employment limits. However, visa holders cannot extend their stay, access most public benefits, bring family members under their application, or work as professional sportspeople.
