The India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS) visa permits Indian nationals aged between 18 and 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years, providing an opportunity for professional development and cultural exchange. This visa programme is designed to strengthen ties between India and the UK by offering young professionals valuable international experience.
The selection process is, however, competitive, with a limited number of places available through a two-stage process involving a ballot, followed by a visa application, This makes it important for applicants to prepare well and understand the deadlines and process stages.
Section A: What is the India Young Professionals Scheme?
The India Young Professionals Scheme is a programme designed to facilitate the exchange of young professionals between India and the United Kingdom. It allows Indian citizens, aged between 18 and 30, to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
Under the India Young Professionals Scheme, participants are allowed to engage in a variety of activities during their stay in the UK, including:
a. Employment: Participants can work in most types of jobs during their time in the UK. This includes both full-time and part-time work. The scheme is designed to help young professionals gain valuable international work experience and enhance their career prospects.
b. Study: While the primary focus of the scheme is employment, participants may also pursue short-term educational courses or training that complements their professional development. However, their primary role should be working rather than studying.
c. Travel: Participants can travel within the UK and to other countries within the Schengen Area during their stay. It’s important to ensure that any travel plans do not interfere with their visa conditions or employment commitments.
d. Volunteering: Engaging in voluntary work is generally permitted, provided it does not replace paid employment or violate the visa conditions.
e Cultural Exchange: Participants are encouraged to engage in cultural activities and networking events, which can be a valuable part of the experience.
Participants must adhere to all visa conditions, including any limitations on the types of employment or study permitted, and comply with UK laws throughout their stay.
Section B: India Young Professionals Scheme Eligibility Criteria
Under the scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria, including educational qualifications and financial stability, to ensure they can support themselves during their stay.
As such, prior to entering the ballot, applicants must verify that they meet all eligibility conditions for the scheme, as set by the UK government.
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of making the application, and hold a valid Indian passport throughout the duration of their stay in the United Kingdom.
They must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, recognised by the UK as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree. Applicants may need to prove their proficiency in the language through an approved test unless they have already obtained a degree taught in English.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their initial period in the UK. This usually means showing proof of savings or income that meets the financial threshold specified by the scheme, currently at least £2,530. They must not have children under 18 living with them or for whom they are financially responsible.
Additionally, applicants should be able to provide evidence of their employment or future job prospects in the UK. While this does not necessarily require a job offer at the time of application, demonstrating the potential to secure employment in the UK strengthens the application.
Applicants must also have a clean criminal record to be considered for the scheme.
Section C: How to Apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme
While the India Young Professionals Scheme is similar to the UK’s existing Youth Mobility Scheme in many ways, there are notable differences. Most significantly, the IYPS involves a two-stage application process.
The first phase requires applicants to register with UKVI for the ballot during the application window, which is typically only open for a few days. There are two ballots per year for the UK India Young Professionals Scheme: the February ballot is when the majority of places are allocated, followed by the July ballot when the remaining places are distributed.
The number of places available each year can vary.
Only those who are successful in the ballot will be invited to apply for the visa. The Home Office has stated that 2,400 visas are available for the February ballot, with the next ballot anticipated to take place in late July.
To be included in the ballot, applicants must submit the following information to UKVI: full name, date of birth, current passport photo or scan, phone number, and email address.
There is no fee to participate in the ballot, but all entries must be submitted online via the UKVI website.
Within two weeks of the ballot ending, successful candidates will be notified of their results. Entries are selected at random.
The second stage is open only to applicants that are successful in the ballot. After receiving confirmation of their successful entry, the applicant will then have 30 days to submit an online visa application and pay the application fee of £298 in addition to any applicable Immigration Health Surcharge, which will be £1,552 for the two-year stay.
Section D: India Young Professionals Scheme Selection Process
The selection process for the India Young Professionals Scheme is competitive and follows a structured approach. After the application submission, all candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are entered into a ballot system. This ballot is random, meaning that selection is not based on the order of application or any prioritisation but rather by chance.
Applicants who are successful in the ballot are then invited to proceed to the next stage, which involves submitting additional documentation and undergoing further checks. These checks include verifying the accuracy of the information provided, such as educational qualifications, financial stability, and criminal records.
Following the document verification, selected applicants may be asked to attend an interview at a Visa Application Centre. The interview is conducted to confirm the applicant’s intentions and to ensure that they fully understand the terms and conditions of the scheme.
Once all stages of the selection process are completed, successful candidates receive an official notification and are issued a visa allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Those who are not selected in the ballot or do not pass the further checks are informed accordingly and may be eligible to reapply in future rounds.
Section E: Options to Remain in the UK
Extending your stay in the UK beyond the duration of the India Young Professionals Scheme is generally not permitted under the scheme’s rules. The visa issued under this scheme is typically valid for up to two years, and extensions are not usually allowed. However, there are alternative pathways you might explore if you wish to remain in the UK after your scheme visa expires:
a. Switching to a Different Visa: Before your current visa expires, you may be eligible to apply for another type of UK visa. Common options include the Skilled Worker visa, which allows you to stay longer if you have a job offer from a UK employer who meets specific requirements, or the Global Talent visa for individuals with exceptional talent or promise in their field.
b. Graduate Route: If you complete a degree course in the UK, you might qualify for the Graduate visa, which allows graduates to stay and work or look for work in the UK for up to two years.
c. Further Studies: Enrolling in a new educational programme might qualify you for a Student visa, allowing you to stay in the UK for the duration of your studies.
d. Other Immigration Routes: Exploring other visa options based on your qualifications, work experience, or family connections may also be possible.
Section F: Summary
The India Young Professionals Scheme is a highly attractive and oversubscribed UK immigration programme, designed to allow Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years. The scheme operates on a ballot system, meaning selection is random and not guaranteed, regardless of the strength of the application. As such, the chances of being selected can be uncertain, meaning applicants may wish to consider alternative immigration options if they have plans to live and work in the UK.
Section G: Need assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. For advice and support with your UK application, either through the Young Professionals Scheme or to discuss alternative routes, contact us.
Section H: FAQs
What is the India Young Professionals Scheme?
The India Young Professionals Scheme allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years. It aims to foster cultural exchange and provide professional development opportunities.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30, hold a recognised degree-level qualification, and meet the financial stability requirements. They should also have a clean criminal record and sufficient English proficiency.
How do I apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme?
Applications are submitted online through the UK government’s official visa website. You will need to complete the application form, pay the fee, and provide biometric information at a Visa Application Centre.
What documents are required for the application?
You will need to provide a valid Indian passport, proof of educational qualifications, evidence of financial stability, and any other documents requested by the application system.
How is the selection process conducted?
Selection is based on a random ballot system. If selected, you will be invited to submit additional documents and may need to attend an interview.
What happens after I am selected?
Once selected, you will receive a visa to live and work in the UK. You will need to make travel arrangements, register with the local police if required, and set up a UK bank account and National Insurance number.
Can I extend my stay in the UK?
The visa under this scheme is typically valid for up to two years. Extensions are generally not permitted under this scheme, but you may explore other visa options if you wish to stay longer.
What should I do if my application is unsuccessful?
If your application is unsuccessful, you will be informed and may reapply in future rounds. It is essential to review any feedback provided and ensure all criteria are met for future applications.
Section I: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Ballot | A random selection process used to determine which applicants will move forward in the scheme. |
| Biometric Information | Data such as fingerprints and photographs used to verify an applicant’s identity. |
| Degree-Level Qualification | An educational qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher. |
| Financial Stability | Proof that an applicant has sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the UK. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | A fee paid as part of the visa application that grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). |
| National Insurance Number | A unique number used to track an individual’s contributions to social security and taxation in the UK. |
| Police Registration | The requirement for certain visa holders to register with the local police upon arrival in the UK. |
| Visa | An official document that allows a foreign national to enter, live, and work in a country. |
Section J: Additional Resources
UK Government Visa and Immigration
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Provides official information on various UK visas, including the Young Professionals Scheme, application procedures, and eligibility criteria.
UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre
https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk
Offers contact details for visa-related inquiries and assistance for applicants both inside and outside the UK.
British Council India
https://www.britishcouncil.in
Provides information on UK education, including how to verify qualifications and support for Indian students and professionals.
UK National Insurance
https://www.gov.uk/contact-national-insurance
Provides details on how to apply for a National Insurance number and manage your contributions while living in the UK.
UK Police Registration for Foreign Nationals
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-nationals-police-registration
Offers guidance on whether and how foreign nationals should register with the police upon arrival in the UK.
India Ministry of External Affairs
https://www.mea.gov.in
Provides information on Indian citizens travelling abroad, including updates and support for visa and immigration matters.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
