India-UK Young Professionals Scheme: 3000 visas up for grabs. Everything to know about the February ballot

The UK Home Office has announced a new ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme. The upcoming draw is set to begin on February 20, 2024, and end on February 22, 2024. This initiative allows successful applicants, aged between 18-30, to reside, work, and study in the United Kingdom for a duration of 24 months.

During the ballot period, starting at 2.30 pm on February 20, 2024, and ending at 2.30 pm on February 22, 2024, eligible Indian nationals with a bachelor's degree or higher can participate. The criteria also include having savings of at least GBP 2,530, with no dependent children under 18. Once selected, individuals have 90 days to apply for the visa, pay the associated fees, including the immigration health surcharge, and provide biometrics. You must travel to the UK within 6 months of applying for your visa.

Think you check all the immigration boxes? Find out

In 2024, a total of 3,000 slots are allocated for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa. The majority of these spots will be offered in the upcoming February 2024 ballot, with the remaining places available in a July 2024 ballot.

While entering the ballot is free of charge, the application process under the Scheme costs GBP 298. Those not selected in the upcoming ballot can re-apply in subsequent ones.

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Successful entries will be picked at random and chosen candidates will be sent the results by email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing.

To be eligible for the visa, you must:

• be an Indian national or citizen between 18 and 30 years old
• be at least 18 years old on the date you plan to travel to the UK
• have a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7 or 8)
• have £2,530 in savings to support yourself in the UK
• not have any children under the age of 18 who live with you or who you’re financially responsible for

How to apply

1. If you’re eligible, enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot.
2. If you’re successful in the ballot, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
3. Prepare the documents that you need to apply.
4. Apply for an India Young Professionals Scheme visa.

Documents you will need

• a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
• evidence that you have at least £2,530 in your bank account, for example bank statements
• evidence of your qualifications
• your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re living in India or another listed country
• a police report or clearance certificate from India - check how to apply for criminal records checks
• You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

In 2023, the UK held India Young Professionals Scheme ballots in March and July, extending the opportunity to nationals from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan through its Youth Mobility Scheme. The recent February 2024 ballot also included nationals from Taiwan.

The Young Professionals Scheme is par of the UK-India Mobility and Migration Partnership, established in May 2021. This partnership underscores commitments to enhance migration arrangements and strengthen cooperation on immigration violations between India and the United Kingdom.