India Young Professionals Scheme Visa

The India Young Professionals Scheme is a UK visa for Indian nationals aged 18–30 holding a bachelor's degree or above. It grants up to two years to live and work without a job offer or sponsor. Entry is via a free random ballot capped at 3,000 places per year.

The grant is a fixed 24 months — no extension, no settlement route, no dependent children. Applicants need £2,530 in savings held for 28 days. Costs are £340 (application fee) plus £1,552 Immigration Health Surcharge. Most work is permitted, including limited self-employment.

This visa is ideal for degree-qualified Indian nationals under 30 who want flexible UK work experience without a sponsor, and can accept a one-time two-year stay with no path to settlement.