The ballot will open at 2:30 pm Indian Standard Time on Tuesday, February 17, and close at 2:30 pm Indian Standard Time on Thursday, February 19.
The ballot is free and open to Indian citizens, with entries submitted via the gov.uk website.
According to the UK Government’s official guidance, selection is entirely random, and you can expect an email notification regarding your result within two weeks of the ballot’s closing on February 19.
India Young Professionals Scheme Visa: Ballot Details
The ballot is the first of two planned for 2026 and will remain open for a 48-hour window. For the 2026 India Young Professionals Scheme visa, 3,000 places are available, with the majority released in the first, free-to-enter ballot from February 17–19. A second, final ballot will take place later in the year. Only one entry per person is permitted. If you try multiple entries, they simply won’t be counted.
Meanwhile, the UK Government prohibits anyone who has previously held an India Young Professionals Scheme visa or a Youth Mobility Scheme visa from applying again.
India Young Professionals Scheme Visa: Overview
The India Young Professionals Scheme visa allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to reside and work in the UK for a period of up to two years.
To apply for this visa, you must be selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. To enter the poll, you must indicate that you are qualified for the visa; confirm your eligibility before entering.
Meanwhile, if you are a British citizen, you can apply for the Young Professionals Scheme to live and work in India.
India Young Professionals Scheme Visa: Eligibility
To be eligible for the visa, you must:
Be an Indian national or citizen aged 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.
India Young Professionals Scheme Visa: How and when to apply
To apply, first confirm your eligibility and enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. If you are randomly selected, you will receive an official invitation to apply for the visa, at which point you must prepare all necessary documentation, such as your degree certificate and proof of funds.
Finally, you must submit your formal India Young Professionals Scheme visa application through the UK Government portal within 90 days of your invitation. Additionally, you must plan your move carefully, as you are required to travel to the UK within 6 months of submitting your visa application.
India Young Professionals Scheme Visa: How much it costs
To secure your visa, you must be prepared to cover several costs, including an application fee of £319 and a healthcare surcharge of £1,552. In addition, you must prove you have at least £2,530 in personal savings held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days within 31 days of applying for this visa. It is vital to verify your eligibility thoroughly before applying, as the £319 application fee is non-refundable if your visa is rejected.
