Youth Mobility Visa – India Young Professional Scheme ballots opening soon

Can I work in the UK under the scheme?

As a Youth Mobility Scheme visa holder, you will be allowed to work in the UK, (though not as a professional sportsperson or sports coach).

The key requirements are:

• you can only be self-employed,
• not employ others,
• the total value of any equipment used for the business must be below £5,000,and
• you cannot own any premises, other than your home, from which you carry out a business.

What about studying?

You will also be allowed to study. For certain study subjects you would need to obtain Academic Technology Approval, unless you are a national of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or the Republic of Korea.

Am I eligible to apply for the Youth Mobility – India Young Professional Scheme?

The eligibility criteria are that you:

• Are aged between 18 and 30;
• Are a citizen of India;
• hold an education qualification equal to or above RQF level 6 or have a minimum of three years’ work experience in a professional role equivalent to an eligible occupation listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations;
• Have funds of £2,530 which you have held for a 28-day period within the 31 days before your application;
• Do not have any children under 18 who are living with you or are financially dependant on you;
• Have not previously been in the UK on the Youth Mobility Scheme route;
• Have paid the visa application fee and Immigration Health Charge and provided any required biometric information; and
• Have taken a tuberculosis test, if required;

How do I enter the India Young Professional Scheme ballot?

You can enter the ballot if you’re an Indian citizen and you are eligible for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa. There are 3,000 places available for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa in 2025. Most places will be available in the February ballot. The remaining places will be made available in the second and final ballot in July.

You will need to provide your:

• Name,
• date of birth,
• passport details,
• a scan or photo of your passport,
• phone number, and
• email address.

It is free to enter the ballot. You can only submit one entry per person for each ballot. Any further attempts to enter will not be counted.

What are the key dates?

The next India Young Professionals Scheme ballot will open at 2:30pm India Standard Time on 18 February 2025, and will close at 2:30pm India Standard Time on 20 February 2025.

You can enter the ballot at any time while it is open and the link can be found on the Home Office website.

How would I know if I am successful?

The successful entries will be picked at random. You will be sent the results by email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing.

You’ll have 90 days from the date of the email to apply online

As with all Immigration applications, it is always recommended that advice is sought from an Immigration solicitor. Our experienced Immigration solicitors at DMH Stallard are able to provide more detailed advice on Adult Dependant visa and a range of other Immigration applications. For more information please email or call us on +44 (0)207 822 1636.