With this scheme, Indian youth can gain international exposure, enhance their career prospects, and experience life in the UK without sponsorship barriers.
The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025 has officially opened applications, offering 3,000 Indian nationals the chance to live, work, study, and explore the United Kingdom for up to two years, reported Business Today.
The selection process begins with a free ballot, which will be available on gov.uk from 2:30 PM (IST) on February 18 to 2:30 PM (IST) on February 20.
Who Can Apply?
Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 are eligible to enter the ballot for one of these sought-after spots. The results will be announced within two weeks after the ballot closes, with successful applicants receiving an invitation to apply for a visa.
How to Enter the Ballot
The ballot process is straightforward and free of cost. Applicants must provide the following details on the official ballot form:
Full name and date of birth
Passport details with a scanned copy
Phone number and email address
Only those randomly selected will receive an invitation to proceed with the visa application. Individuals who already hold a Youth Mobility Scheme visa are not eligible for this program.
Eligibility Criteria
For Indian Nationals
- Must be at least 18 years old at the time of travel.
- Must demonstrate proof of financial self-sufficiency with £2,530 (approximately ₹2,70,824) in savings.
- Cannot have dependent children under 18.
For UK Residents Applying for a Reciprocal Visa
- Must hold a UK bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.
- Must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Should maintain ₹2,50,000 in their bank account for at least 30 days.
- Must meet all other eligibility criteria before entering the ballot.
For full eligibility details, applicants can visit gov.uk.
What Happens Next?
Successful applicants will receive an email within two weeks of the ballot’s closure. They will have 90 days from the date of the email to complete the visa application, submit biometrics, and pay applicable fees, including the visa application fee and immigration health surcharge.
Applicants must maintain the required funds for 28 consecutive days, with the final day falling within 31 days of submitting the visa application.
Two Years in the UK – Then What?
Participants are expected to return to India upon completing their two-year stay. In 2023, over 2,100 Young Professionals Scheme visas were issued to Indian nationals, highlighting the growing interest in this opportunity.
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