The UK Home Affairs Department has opened its second ballot for CY 2024 under the India Young Professional Scheme. This scheme allows Indians aged between 18 and 30 with graduate-level qualifications to obtain visas to the United Kingdom for up to 24 months. During this time, they can explore avenues to get a job or to study an educational course. If they manage to get a job visa after reaching there, they can continue in the UK after the 24 months allowed under the India Young Professional Scheme.
The ballot period application window commenced on July 16, 2024, at 1:30 pm Indian Standard Time and will conclude on July 18, 2024, at the same time. The India Young Professional Scheme presents streamlined processing for qualified candidates, that provides an easier migration opportunity in comparison to other visa programs.
Financial Considerations
Interested applicants should prove with bank documents that they have a savings of 2,530 pounds sterling, equivalent to Rs 2,74,156, and should not have any dependent children.
The UK allocated 3,000 spots under this scheme in 2024, most of which were filled during the February 2024 ballot. The remaining spots will be allocated in the upcoming July ballot.
Entry into the ballot is free of cost, and successful applicants will need to pay 298 pounds sterling, equivalent to 32,291.22 Indian Rupees, upon applying for the visa. If an interested applicant had taken the normal visa application route a Longer-term visit visa (valid for up to 2 years), would come with application fees of Rs 48,061.
How To Apply
To apply for the Young India Professional program, you'll need to enrol on the official website. Depending on your location and passport type, you'll either need to visit a visa application centre for biometric data collection or use the 'UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your official ID.
If selected in the ballot, you'll be invited to apply for the visa via email in two to three weeks. Make sure to gather the required documents, including a valid passport, bank statements showing you have Rs 2,74,156 in your bank account, educational qualifications, tuberculosis test results and a police clearance certificate from India.
