The India Young Professionals Scheme (also known as the UK lottery visa for Indians) allows Indian citizens aged 18-30 to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years. This comprehensive guide covers the 2026 ballot system, eligibility requirements, £319 visa fee, and step-by-step application process. The scheme operates through a random ballot with 3,000 places available annually—you must be selected in the ballot before you can apply for the visa.
India Young Professionals Scheme Overview 2026
The India Young Professionals Scheme is part of the broader Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), established through a bilateral agreement between the UK and India in 2023. Unlike other YMS countries, Indian applicants must first be selected through a random ballot before they can apply for the visa. This makes the process more competitive, with only 3,000 places available each year.
What is the India Young Professionals Scheme?
The India Young Professionals Scheme is a UK visa allowing Indian citizens aged 18-30 with at least a bachelor's degree to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without employer sponsorship. The visa costs £319 plus £1,552 for the Immigration Health Surcharge. Places are limited to 3,000 per year, allocated through two random ballots typically held in February and July.
The scheme is reciprocal—UK citizens can also apply to live and work in India under the corresponding Indian programme. Once you have the visa, you can work in most jobs (except as a professional sportsperson), be self-employed, and study without needing employer sponsorship.
What Can You Do on This Visa?
- Work: Any employment except professional sportsperson/coach
- Self-employment: Permitted with no employees, equipment under £5,000, home-based only
- Study: Any course (ATAS certificate may be required for some subjects)
- Travel: Free to enter, leave, and re-enter the UK during visa validity
India Young Professionals Scheme Eligibility Requirements
The India Young Professionals Scheme has additional requirements compared to the standard Youth Mobility Scheme. You must meet all criteria to enter the ballot.
- Nationality: Indian citizen
- Age: 18-30 years old at time of application
- Qualification: Bachelor's degree (RQF level 6) OR 3 years' skilled work experience
- English: CEFR B1 level (unless degree taught in English)
- Savings: £2,530 held for 28 consecutive days
- TB test: Required for Indian nationals
- No dependants: Cannot bring spouse, partner, or children
- First-time: Never held a Youth Mobility Scheme visa before
How Does the India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot Work?
The India Young Professionals Scheme uses a random ballot to allocate the 3,000 annual visa places. Ballots typically open twice per year (February and July) for 48-72 hours. You enter by sending an email with your details during the open window. If selected, you receive an email within 2 weeks and have 90 days to submit your visa application. Entry to the ballot is free.
When is the Next India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot 2026?
The 2026 ballot dates have not yet been announced. Based on previous years, expect two ballots:
- First ballot: Typically February 2026 (exact dates TBA)
- Second ballot: Typically July 2026 (exact dates TBA)
- Duration: Usually 48-72 hours (e.g., opens Tuesday 1:30pm IST, closes Thursday 1:30pm IST)
Exact dates are announced on the official gov.uk ballot page shortly before each ballot opens. Most places are allocated in the February ballot, with remaining places in July.
How to Enter the Ballot
When the ballot opens, send an email to [email protected] with your details in a specific format:
Subject: Lastname Firstname – DD/MM/YYYY – Passport Number
Email body must include:
• Full name (as in passport)
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Mobile phone number
• Email address
How to Apply for India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
If you're selected in the ballot, you'll receive an email invitation to apply. You then have 90 days to complete your visa application, pay fees, and provide biometrics.
- Step 1: Receive selection email (within 2 weeks of ballot closing)
- Step 2: Complete online visa application on gov.uk (within 90 days)
- Step 3: Pay visa fee (£319) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,552)
- Step 4: Book biometrics appointment at Visa Application Centre
- Step 5: Submit supporting documents (passport, bank statements, degree, TB test)
- Step 6: Wait for decision (typically 3 weeks)
- Step 7: Receive passport with visa vignette and travel to UK
India Young Professionals Scheme Fees 2026
Can I Extend or Switch from This Visa?
The India Young Professionals Scheme visa cannot be extended beyond 2 years. However, you can switch to other visa categories from within the UK before your visa expires, including:
- Skilled Worker visa: If you find a sponsoring employer
- Family visas: If you marry or form a relationship with a British citizen/settled person
- Student visa: For courses requiring a student visa
- Annual quota: 3,000 places allocated through random ballot
- Ballots typically in February and July—entry is free
- Total cost: £1,871 (£319 visa + £1,552 IHS) if selected
- 90 days to apply after ballot selection
- Requires bachelor's degree and £2,530 savings for 28 days
- Can switch to other visas from within UK before expiry
For the latest ballot dates and official guidance, visit the gov.uk India Young Professionals Scheme page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India Young Professionals Scheme?
The India Young Professionals Scheme is a UK visa route allowing Indian citizens aged 18-30 with at least a bachelor's degree to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without employer sponsorship. It is part of the Youth Mobility Scheme and operates through a random ballot system with 3,000 places available annually.
How does the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot work?
The ballot opens twice yearly (typically February and July) for 48-72 hours. You enter by sending an email to [email protected] with your name, date of birth, passport number, phone number, and email. Successful applicants are selected randomly and notified within 2 weeks. Entry is free—you only pay fees if selected.
When is the next India Young Professionals Scheme ballot 2026?
The 2026 ballot dates have not yet been announced. Based on previous years, expect the first ballot in February 2026 and the second in July 2026. Exact dates are published on the official gov.uk ballot page shortly before each ballot opens. Most places are allocated in the February ballot.
What are the eligibility requirements for India Young Professionals Scheme?
You must be an Indian citizen aged 18-30, hold at least a bachelor's degree (or 3 years' skilled work experience), prove English at CEFR B1 level, have £2,530 in savings for 28 consecutive days, provide a TB test certificate, have no dependants, and never have held a Youth Mobility Scheme visa before.
How much does the India Young Professionals Scheme visa cost?
Entry to the ballot is free. If selected, the visa application fee is £319, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,552 (£776 per year at the discounted Youth Mobility rate). The total cost is £1,871. You only pay these fees after being selected in the ballot.
What happens if I'm not selected in the ballot?
If not selected, you cannot appeal or challenge the decision—selection is completely random. However, you can enter future ballots as many times as you like, provided you still meet the age and other eligibility requirements. There's no limit on how many times you can enter.
Can I extend my India Young Professionals Scheme visa?
No, the India Young Professionals Scheme visa cannot be extended beyond the 2-year maximum. However, you can switch to other visa categories from within the UK before your visa expires, such as the Skilled Worker visa (if you find a sponsoring employer), family visas, or student visas.
Can I bring my family on the India Young Professionals Scheme visa?
No, the India Young Professionals Scheme does not allow dependants. You cannot bring your spouse, partner, or children on this visa. If your family members wish to join you in the UK, they would need to apply for their own visa separately based on their individual circumstances and eligibility.