The India Young Professionals Scheme is a reciprocal agreement allowing eligible Indian nationals to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
However, unlike many UK work routes, you cannot simply apply whenever you are ready. You must first be selected through the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot before you can submit your visa application.
The scheme is highly competitive, with 3,000 places available in 2026. Most places were made available through the first ballot in February, with the remaining places released through a second ballot in July.
2026 key dates: what you needed to know
The first India Young Professionals Scheme ballot of 2026 opened on 17 February 2026 and closed on 19 February 2026.
A second ballot subsequently opened in July for the remaining places, and the GOV.UK guidance confirms that the 2026 ballot closed on 23 July 2026.
If you missed the 2026 ballots, you cannot enter them now. However, if you are still eligible, it is worth monitoring the official GOV.UK guidance for information about future ballots.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before you enter the ballot, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa as follows:
- Nationality: you must be an Indian citizen.
- Age: you must be between 18 and 30 years old on the date you apply for the visa.
- Education: unlike the regular youth mobility scheme visa, you must have a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above (RQF level 6, 7, or 8).
- Financials: you must have at least £2,530 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days.
- Family: you cannot have any children under 18 living with you or financially dependent on you.
Step 2: How to enter the India Young Professionals scheme ballot
When the ballot is open, the entry process is free and is completed online through the official GOV.UK process.
You will need to provide information such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport details
- Contact details
- A scan or photograph of your passport
Only submit one entry per ballot. If you submit additional entries, they will not be counted.
Being selected in the ballot does not mean that your visa has been approved. It simply gives you the opportunity to apply for the visa.
Step 3: The selection process
The selection is entirely random. It does not matter if you enter in the first minute or the last minute of the 48-hour window.
If you are selected
You will receive an email inviting you to apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
The results are normally sent by email within two weeks of the ballot closing.
If you are not selected
You will also receive an email confirming the outcome.
If another ballot is available and you still meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to enter that ballot.
The outcome of the ballot is final and there is no appeal if you are unsuccessful.
Have you been selected in the ballot?
If you have been selected for the ballot and want an expert to review your application before submitting your application, you can speak to one of our regulated immigration lawyers or book a consultation.
Step 4: The visa application (90-day deadline)
If you are successful, you have exactly 90 days from the date of your invitation email to complete your visa application. This involves:
- Applying online
- Paying the visa application fee
- Paying the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Proving your identity
- Providing your supporting documents
- Providing biometric information if required
Depending on your circumstances and passport, you may be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or may need to attend a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Once you have applied, you will usually receive a decision within 3 weeks, although some applications can take longer.
Summary of costs for 2026
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Ballot Entry | Free |
| Visa Fee | £340 |
| Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,552 |
| Total Upfront Cost | £1,892 |
Need advice on the India Young Professionals Scheme?
Being selected in the ballot is only the first step.
You still need to satisfy the visa requirements and provide the correct evidence within the 90-day application window. A mistake with your eligibility, financial evidence or supporting documents can put your visa application at risk.
If you have been selected for the ballot and want professional advice before submitting your application, you can speak to one of our regulated immigration lawyers or book a consultation.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the India Young Professionals Scheme and should not be treated as legal advice. Immigration Rules, ballot arrangements, application fees and eligibility requirements can change.