UK Visa: 3,000 Indian Young Professionals in 2025

The UK government has announced the opening of the second ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) Visa for the year 2025, offering young Indian citizens a unique opportunity to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.

The ballot will open at 1:30 PM IST on July 22, 2025, and will remain open for 48 hours, closing at 1:30 PM IST on July 24, 2025. This initiative is part of the broader UK–India Migration and Mobility Partnership, which aims to strengthen professional and cultural ties between the two nations.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 18 to 30, holding a graduate-level qualification, and with £2,530 in savings.
• Visa Duration: Successful applicants can stay in the UK for up to 24 months, with the flexibility to work, study, or start a business.
• Quota: Out of the annual 3,000 visa slots, remaining places from the February 2025 ballot will be made available in this round.

Application Process:

Interested individuals must enter the ballot via the official UK government website by providing basic personal details, passport information, and a recent photograph. The ballot is free to enter, and each applicant is allowed only one entry.

Those selected in the random draw will receive a notification within two weeks of the ballot’s close and must apply for the visa within 90 days. The total cost includes a £319 visa fee and an Immigration Health Surcharge of approximately £1,552.

Opportunities & Restrictions:

Visa holders may work in most sectors, study, or start a business (subject to certain conditions). However, they are not permitted to bring dependents, access public funds, or extend the visa beyond two years.

What It Means:

The Young Professionals Scheme reflects the deepening bilateral cooperation between India and the UK, creating pathways for youth mobility, career development, and cultural exchange.