UK work visa 2025: India Young Professionals Scheme open until July 24; check eligibility, fee and how to apply

aerial view of the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known by the name of the clock's bell "Big Ben" (Image: AFP)

The India Young Professionals Scheme that provides opportunity to individuals between the age of 18 to 30 years old to live and work for up to 2 year is live now, individuals can also pursue short term study course in Britain under the scheme.

Applications opened on Tuesday and will close at 1:30 PM IST on 24 July 2025. This marks the second and final ballot for 2025, with only 3,000 spots available - most of which were already allocated during the February round.

Each person can submit only one ballot entry; multiple entries will not be counted.

It is free to enter the ballot.

Application process  

• Visit the Gov.UK website to enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot
• After selecting 'Enter ballot,' you will be placed in a queue
• Once at the front of the queue, you have 25 minutes to complete the application
• Provide mandatory details such as your name, date of birth, passport details, a scanned copy of your passport, phone number, and email address
• Only Indian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa can enter the ballot
• Check your eligibility before applying, as the visa costs £319 and requires an eligible qualification and sufficient funds
• Successful entries will be selected randomly
• Results will be emailed within two weeks after the ballot closes
• If successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa

You will have 90 days from the date of the email to:

• Apply online for the visa
• Pay the visa fee and the immigration health surcharge (£1,552)
• Provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information)

Eligibility criteria 

• You must be an Indian citizen between 18 and 30 years old. People must be selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot
• Must have a bachelor’s degree or above
• Must have £2,530 (INR 2,94,878) in savings

Benefits under the scheme 

• You can work in most types of jobs

You may start your own business and be self-employed if:

• You have a workspace
• Your equipment is valued under £5,000
• You have no employees

Visa limitations

The visa cannot be extended, and applicants are not eligible for most public benefits. Family members cannot be included in the application and must apply separately if they wish to come. Working in the sports category, including coaching, is not permitted.