Imagine a world where young professionals from India and the UK can swap lives — not permanently, but for long enough to gain career experience, build international friendships, and soak in each other’s cultures. That’s exactly what the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Visa is all about. This initiative, launched in February 2023, aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the UK and India by facilitating cultural exchange and professional development.
This reciprocal agreement between the United Kingdom and India allows 3,000 young Indians and 3,000 young Britons (aged 18 to 30) to live, work, and explore in each other’s countries for up to two years. It’s not just a visa — it’s a cultural exchange, a career opportunity, and a gateway to global citizenship. In this guide, we’ll take you through eligibility, how the ballot system works, the costs involved, and the steps to apply, whether you’re in India or the UK.
🇮🇳 For Indian Nationals: UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
🧾 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UK-India YPS visa, Indian applicants must:
- Be aged between 18 and 30.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (equivalent to UK RQF Level 6, 7, or 8).
- Have at least £2,530 in savings, maintained for 28 consecutive days within 31 days before applying.
- Not have dependent children under 18.
- Be applying from outside the UK.
🗳️ Ballot System
- Entry into the scheme requires participation in a free online ballot.
- The first 2025 ballot closed in February; the next is expected in July.
- Applicants provide personal details, including passport information and a scanned copy.
- Successful candidates are notified via email within two weeks of the ballot closing.
💷 Costs
- Visa application fee: £319.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,552 (covering two years).
- Proof of £2,530 in personal savings.
📄 Required Documents
- Valid passport.
- Bank statements showing required savings.
- Degree certificate.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable).
🛂 Visa Conditions
- Valid for up to 24 months.
- Allows work in most jobs, self-employment under specific conditions, and study (some courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate).
- Cannot be extended or lead directly to settlement in the UK.
- No access to public funds.
- Dependents cannot accompany the visa holder.
🇬🇧 For UK Nationals: Young Professionals Scheme to India
🧾 Eligibility Criteria
UK applicants must:
- Be aged between 18 and 30.
- Hold a valid bachelor’s degree.
- Have a passport valid for at least six months.
- Provide proof of financial means (equivalent to INR 2,50,000).
- Not have dependent children under 18.
- Not have previously participated in the YPS.
💷 Costs
- Application fee: £720.
🛂 How to Apply – India YPS Visa for UK Nationals
- Check Eligibility: Age 18–30, bachelor’s degree, no dependents, funds of ₹2.5 lakh.
- Apply Online: Fill out the E-1 visa form stating it’s for the YPS.
- Submit Documents: Passport, degree, proof of funds, photo.
- Pay Fee: £720.
- Interview: Attend visa interview if required.
- Register in India: Report to FRRO within 14 days of arrival.
🛂 Visa Conditions
- Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 24 months.
- Permits work in most sectors, excluding areas like defense, telecom, and nuclear energy.
- Mandatory registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival in India.
✅ Conclusion
The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Visa is more than just a piece of immigration policy — it’s a celebration of collaboration between two nations. By giving equal opportunity to 3,000 young people from each country, the scheme promotes not just employment, but understanding, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
Whether you’re an Indian looking to work in Manchester or a Brit dreaming of a stint in Mumbai, this reciprocal visa opens the door to a shared world of opportunity.
For clear and updated info on this and other work visa types, head to Get Visa Info — your trusted source for everything about visas, immigration, travel, food, and more. We make international journeys a little simpler.
