The UK’s India Young Professionals Scheme Visa, part of a landmark 2023 agreement between the United Kingdom and India, allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to live, work, and immerse themselves in British culture for up to 2 years. This initiative reflects the deepening economic and cultural bonds between the two nations, offering young Indians a unique opportunity to gain professional experience in the UK.
To apply for this visa, Indian applicants must first be selected through a ballot system. This scheme falls under the broader Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) and makes India the first non-traditional partner (outside countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand) to benefit from such an agreement, emphasizing India's role as a key global partner for the UK.
As of 2023, Indians formed the largest group of immigrants to the UK, with 250,000 individuals choosing to make the UK their new home. This visa scheme not only strengthens the UK-India relationship but also paves the way for more young Indians to pursue international experiences and professional growth abroad. In return, young British professionals are given reciprocal opportunities to live and work in India, underscoring the mutual commitment to enhanced professional, educational, and cultural exchanges.
The main objective of the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa is to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between India and the UK, particularly among young professionals who have the potential to play key roles in shaping future bilateral relations. It is intended to provide Indian nationals with:
To qualify for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa, applicants must:
Before applying, candidates must first enter and be selected through a ballot system. Those who have previously held this visa or the Youth Mobility Scheme visa in the UK are not eligible.
When applying for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa, you must provide the following documents:
A valid passport or another identity/nationality document.
Evidence of at least £2,530 in your bank account, such as recent bank statements.
Proof of your qualifications.
Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are residing in India.
A police clearance certificate from India.
The application process for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa involves four simple steps:
Step 1: Enter the ballot system and wait for selection.
Step 2: If selected, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Step 3: Gather all the required documents for your visa application.
Step 4: Submit your application for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa.
To apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa, you will need to pay the following fees:
Please note that the application fee is non-refundable if your visa application is rejected.
Validity of the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
The India Young Professionals Scheme Visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. You may enter and exit the UK multiple times during this period, as long as your visa remains valid. However, the visa cannot be extended.
Map out your career goals and aspirations with the help of a CareerBricks expert. This first step makes the process highly student-centric fitting to your needs and requirements.
