The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) 2025 ballot is set to open on 18 February, offering a unique opportunity for young professionals from both nations to live, study, travel, and work in each other’s countries for up to two years. This exclusive visa initiative fosters cultural exchange and professional growth between the UK and India.
Key Details of the Scheme
Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 who wish to apply must enter the ballot on the official UK government website (gov.uk).
The application window opens on 18 February 2025 and closes on 20 February 2025. A total of 3,000 places are available, with successful entries being selected at random. Notably, there is no fee to enter the ballot. Most of the quota has been set for the February ballot, the rest of these will be available in July this year.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old on their intended travel date to the UK.
- Hold a qualification at a UK bachelor’s degree level or higher (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7 or 8).
- Provide proof of having at least £2,530 in savings to support themselves upon arrival in the UK.
Step-by-Step Process
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Enter the YPS ballot for free on gov.uk. |
| 2 | Wait for the email notification within two weeks if selected. |
| 3 | Apply for the visa within 90 days via the UK Home Office online form if selected. |
| 4 | Provide required biometric data. |
| 5 | Pay all associated fees, including the visa application fee (£298) and Immigration Health Surcharge. |
| 6 | Travel to the UK and stay for up to two years. |
| 7 | Mandatory return to India after completing the two-year stay. |
Documents Required
The following documents are required for the online visa application:
- a valid passport;
- a police report or clearance certificate from India – check how to apply for criminal records checks;
- evidence that you have at least £2,530 in your bank account;
- your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re living in India or another listed country;
- evidence of your qualifications.
Permitted and Restricted Activities on YPS
| Permitted Activities | Restricted Activities |
| Study (some courses require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate) | Cannot extend stay beyond two years |
| Work in most jobs | Cannot apply for most public benefits (public funds) |
| Be self-employed and set up a company (with conditions: rented premises, equipment valued under £5,000, no employees) | Cannot include family members on the application (they must apply separately) |
| Cannot work as a professional sportsperson (including coaching) |