UK and India Launch Reciprocal Young Professionals Scheme for Visa-Free Work and Travel

The UK and India have announced a reciprocal Young Professionals Scheme that allows select nationals of each country to live, work, study, and travel in the other for up to 24 months. #UKIndiaYoungProfessionals

The visa program is open to Indian nationals between 18 and 30 years old who have at least a bachelor’s degree, £2,530 in savings, and no dependents. UK nationals seeking to travel to India are subject to similar requirements. #UKIndiaVisaProgram

Eligibility for the Young Professionals Scheme:

• Be an Indian national or citizen between 18 and 30 years old
• Have a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above
• Possess £2,530 in savings to support their stay in the UK
• Have no dependents under the age of 18 #YPSeligibility

Indian nationals will be selected through a ballot (lottery) system, with 2,400 applicants chosen per ballot. UK nationals are not subject to a ballot system. The program aims to foster closer economic and cultural ties between the UK and India by providing binational opportunities for young professionals. #UKIndiaRelations

Successful Indian applicants will have 30 days to apply online, pay the £259 application fee, and the £940 immigration health surcharge. They will then have six months to travel to the UK. Individuals who have previously entered the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme or Young Professionals Scheme are not eligible for the YPS visa. #UKIndiaTravel