If you’re an Indian graduate looking to move, work, or study in the United Kingdom for 2 years, then the ballot system approach is your shot. The UK has announced the India Young Professionals Scheme, similar to a lucky draw and is free to enter. The ballot system offers 3,000 visas to Indians as of 2026. Let’s take a look at all the details you need to know if you’re applying for a UK Visa under the ballot scheme.
How To Enter The India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot System
You can enter the ballot if you are an Indian citizen and you are eligible for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
Check if you are eligible for the visa before entering the ballot.
Eligibility For The Visa:
Be an Indian national or citizen between 18 and 30 years old
Be at least 18 years old on the date you plan to travel to the UK
Have a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7 or 8)
Have £2,530 in savings to support yourself in the UK
Not have any children under the age of 18 who live with you or who you’re financially responsible for
You must first apply to and be selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot before you can apply for your visa.
For the ballot, you’ll need to provide your name, your date of birth, your passport details, a scan or photo of your passport, your phone number, your email address.
Successful entries will be picked randomly. Those selected will be sent the results by email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing.
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What To Do If You Get Selected In The India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot System
If you’re successful in the ballot and get selected, you will be invited to apply for a visa. You have 90 days from the date of the email to:
apply online for the visa
pay the visa application fee and immigration health surcharge
provide your fingerprints and photo (biometric information)
However, applicants have been instructed to inform the authorities if they’re selected in the ballot but choose not to apply for the visa.
To be eligible for the visa, you must be an Indian citizen, be between 18 and 30 years old, have an eligible qualification, and have £2,530 in savings.
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Cost Of The India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
The India Young Professionals Scheme Visa will cost the following:
- Pay the application fee of £340
- Pay a healthcare surcharge of £1,552
- Prove you have £2,530 in personal savings
How Long You Can Stay
You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
You can enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid, and leave and come back at any time during your stay.
If you turn 31 after your visa is issued, you can stay in the UK for as long as your visa is valid.
Also Read: How To Apply For UK Visa? Rules, Fees & Full UK Visa Guide For Indians
What you Can And Cannot Do
You can study – for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate work in most jobs. You must be self-employed and set up a company, as long as your premises are rented, your equipment is not worth more than £5,000 and you do not have any employees.
Applicants cannot extend your stay, apply for most benefits (public funds), include family members on your application, and they must apply separately. You must also not work as a professional sportsperson (for example as a coach).
Note: All information has been taken from verified online sources
Summing Up
The India Young Professionals Scheme offers eligible Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 an opportunity to live, work and study in the UK for up to two years. With 3,000 places available through the ballot, selection is random and meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee a visa. If selected, applicants must complete their visa application, pay the required fees and healthcare surcharge, and provide their biometric information within 90 days. Before entering the ballot, check that you meet all eligibility and financial requirements and keep your documents ready. Most importantly, check the official UK government website for the latest dates and requirements before applying.
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