The British High Commission in New Delhi has announced the opening of the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) 2025 ballot next week. This special visa route offers a unique opportunity for young professionals from both countries to live, study, work, and travel for up to two years.

3,000 spots available for Indian nationals 

Indian nationals aged between 18 and 30 can enter the ballot for free on the official UK government website gov.uk. The ballot will open on February 18, 2025, and close on February 20, 2025. Successful entries will be randomly selected.

To be eligible, applicants must:

- Be at least 18 years old on the date of intended travel.

- Qualify equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher.

- Provide proof of having £2,530 (₹2,73,725) in savings to support themselves in the UK.

- Ensure they meet all other requirements before entering the ballot.

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, emphasised the programme’s impact, saying, “The Young Professionals Scheme is an excellent programme which helps build a modern understanding of our countries among Brits and Indians alike. I strongly encourage people from all corners of the country to apply – from Itanagar to Coimbatore, from Leh to Surat, and from Bhubaneswar to Indore.”

Application process 

- Those selected from the ballot will be notified via email within two weeks of the ballot closing.

- Selected candidates will have 90 days to submit their visa application, provide biometrics, and pay associated fees, including the visa application fee and immigration health surcharge.

- Upon completing two years in the UK under this scheme, successful applicants must return to India.

- In 2023, over 2,100 YPS visas were issued to Indian nationals.

The British High Commission has warned applicants to be cautious of fraudulent visa agents promising guaranteed selection in exchange for money. Official guidance on visa and immigration fraud prevention is available on gov.uk.

Opportunities for Brits in India  

The scheme is reciprocal, allowing young British professionals to live and work in India under the same conditions. Interested UK nationals can find further details on the High Commission of India in London website.

The YPS continues to strengthen bilateral ties between the UK and India, fostering cultural exchange and professional development for young individuals from both nations.

Also read:

Indian students anxious as Trump’s immigration crackdown puts OPT, CPT programmes at risk