Young Professional Scheme

The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme is a landmark reciprocal visa program designed to foster cultural and professional exchange between the United Kingdom and India. Established under the Migration and Mobility Partnership, it offers 3,000 visas annually to young Indian nationals, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UK for up to two years without the need for a job offer or employer sponsorship.

1. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the scheme, you must meet several strict criteria at the time of your application:

Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen.

Age: You must be between 18 and 30 years old. You can apply if you are 30 and turn 31 while the visa is being processed, or even after you arrive in the UK.

Education: You must hold a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8).

Financial Standing: You must have at least £2,530 (approx. ₹2.7 Lakhs) in personal savings. This money must have been in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply.

Dependants: You cannot have any children under the age of 18 living with you or for whom you are financially responsible. You cannot bring family members on this visa; they must apply for their own visas independently.

2. The Two-Stage Application Process
Because the scheme is highly oversubscribed, the UK government uses a ballot system to select applicants randomly.

Stage 1: The Ballot
Timing: Ballots typically open twice a year—usually in February and July.

Entry: Entering the ballot is free. You must provide your name, date of birth, passport details, a scan of your passport, and contact info.

Selection: Successful entries are chosen at random. You will usually receive an email notification within two weeks of the ballot closing.

Deadline: If selected, you have 90 days from the date of the invitation email to submit your full visa application online.

Stage 2: The Visa Application
Once selected in the ballot, you must complete the following:

Online Form: Apply via the official GOV.UK website.

Biometrics: Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Identity Check: Some applicants may be able to use the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app instead of a physical appointment.

3. Required Documents
When submitting your formal application, ensure you have:

A valid Indian passport.

Bank statements proving you have held £2,530 for 28 days.

Degree certificate or written confirmation from your university.

Tuberculosis (TB) test results (mandatory for residents of India).

A Police Clearance Certificate (usually from the Passport Seva Kendra or local authorities).