The United Kingdom is extending an invitation to young Indian professionals through the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) 2025. This initiative offers 3,000 Indian nationals, aged between 18 and 30, the opportunity to live, work, study, and travel in the UK for up to two years. The application ballot will be open from February 18 to February 20, 2025, on the official UK government website.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Educational Qualification: Possess a qualification at UK bachelor’s degree level or above, or an equivalent overseas qualification.
- Financial Requirements: Demonstrate savings of at least £2,530 to support themselves in the UK. The funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of the visa application date.
- Dependents: Applicants should not have any children under the age of 18 who live with them or for whom they are financially responsible.
Application Process:
- Ballot Entry: Interested candidates must enter the ballot during the specified dates. Entry to the ballot is free, and applicants should be cautious of fraudulent agents or agencies promising visas in exchange for money.
- Notification: Selected applicants will be informed via email within two weeks after the ballot closes.
- Visa Application: Once notified, candidates have 90 days to:
- Submit a visa application.
- Provide biometric information.
- Pay the visa application fee of £298 and the healthcare surcharge of £1,552.
Program Highlights:
- Participants can live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
- They can study, work in most jobs, and be self-employed under certain conditions.
- Participants must return to India after completing the two-year period.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, emphasized the scheme’s significance in strengthening bilateral ties. She stated, “The Young Professionals Scheme is an excellent programme which helps build a modern understanding of our countries among Brits and Indians alike. I strongly encourage people from all corners of the country to apply – from Itanagar to Coimbatore, from Leh to Surat, and from Bhubaneshwar to Indore.”
Launched in February 2023, the YPS is a reciprocal initiative designed to foster cultural exchange and professional growth for young adults in both countries. In its inaugural year, over 2,100 YPS visas were granted to Indian nationals.
Applicants are advised to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before entering the ballot and to be cautious of fraudulent agents. Official guidance on visa applications is available on the UK government website.
