The UK Home Office has unveiled details for the second and final ballot of 2024 under the India Young Professional Scheme, aimed at facilitating young Indian nationals to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom for up to 24 months.

The ballot period opens on July 16, 2024, at 13:30 Indian Standard Time and closes on July 18, 2024, at the same time. Interested applicants, aged between 18-30 years old or turning 18 by the travel date, with a bachelor’s degree or higher, savings of GBP 2,530, and no dependent children under 18, are eligible to apply.

In 2024, the UK has allocated 3,000 places under this scheme, with most spots already filled during the February 2024 ballot. The upcoming July ballot will distribute the remaining places.

Entry into the ballot is free, with successful applicants needing to pay GBP 298 upon applying for the visa. Those not selected can reapply in future ballots. The India Young Professional Scheme offers a streamlined pathway for eligible candidates, ensuring a quicker processing time compared to other visa schemes.

(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)

Here’s how you can apply:

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the visa, you must:

• Be an Indian national or citizen aged between 18 and 30 years old.
• Be at least 18 years old on the date you plan to travel to the UK.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7, or 8).
• Have savings of at least £2,530 to support yourself in the UK.
• Not have any dependent children under the age of 18 living with you or for whom you are financially responsible.

Application Process:

1. Enter the Ballot: Check your eligibility and enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot during the specified dates.
2. Successful Entry: If selected in the ballot, you will receive an invitation to apply for the visa via email within two weeks of the ballot closing.
3. Prepare Documents: Gather the necessary documents for your visa application:
   • A valid passport or identity document showing your nationality.
   • Bank statements or other evidence proving you have at least £2,530 in savings.
   • Proof of your educational qualifications.
   • If applicable, tuberculosis (TB) test results (required if living in India or another listed country).
   • A police clearance certificate from India, obtained through the appropriate channels.
4. Visa Application: Submit your visa application promptly after receiving the invitation to apply.

Part of the UK-India Mobility and Migration Partnership signed in May 2021, the scheme underscores efforts to enhance migration arrangements and cooperation on immigration matters between both countries.

Unlike the UK’s ballot system, India’s equivalent program, the Employment Visa – E 1, allows eligible individuals to apply throughout the year.