The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) is back for 2025, offering young Indian professionals a chance to live and work in the UK.
Applications officially open on February 18 and close on February 20, offering 3,000 available slots. Talented individuals from both the UK and India to have the opportunity to gain international experience from each other’s countries.
An Opportunity for Young Indians
Launched in February 2023, the UK-India Young Professional Scheme is an initiative that strengthens cultural and professional ties between both nations. In December 2023, over 2,100 Indian nationals had secured visas under this program.
Similar to the Youth Mobility Scheme, the YPS offers successful applicants the opportunity to study or work in the UK. Because of its popularity, authorities expect the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme to be equally as attractive in 2025 as well.
Specifically, the scheme allows successful applicants to live, work, or study in the UK for up to two years. However, they cannot extend their stay beyond this period. Despite this limitation, the program gives young professionals an excellent chance to attain global exposure.
UK-India YPS Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. In particular, they must:
• Be an Indian citizen.
• Be aged 18 to 30.
• Hold a qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
• Have at least GBP 2,530 in savings to support them during their stay.
Note: Applicants cannot apply if they have dependent children or if they have already received a YPS visa before.
Application Steps
Applications for the UK-India Young Professional Scheme follow a ballot system. This means that visas are allocated through a random selection process. Here’s the step-by-step application process:
- Enter the ballot between February 18 and February 20 on the UK government’s official website.
- Wait for the results. Selected candidates receive an email within two weeks of the ballot closing.
- If selected, they can apply for the visa within 90 days, pay the necessary fees, and provide biometric data.
The visa application fee is GBP 298, and applicants must also pay the immigration health surcharge of GBP 1,552, which covers healthcare costs during their stay.
What YPS Holders Can Do
Successful applicants can:
- Work in most jobs.
- Pursue higher studies.
- Seek self-employment and build a company (with rented premises and equipment not worth over GBP 5,000)
- Travel freely within the UK.
However, there are restrictions. Visa holders cannot work as professional sportspersons or coaches. Additionally, they cannot claim most public benefits.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, encourages Indian youth to apply.
“The Young Professionals Scheme is an excellent program which helps build a modern understanding of our countries among Brits and Indians alike,” she remarked. “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.”
Caution Against Fraud
Furthermore, the UK government reminds aspiring applicants to remain cautious of fraudsters. Many unauthorized agents promise guaranteed visas in exchange for money.
However, the UK government does not charge any fee to enter the ballot. Above all, applicants must obtain all information only from official sources.
Photo by Anthony Rosset on Unsplash
