The UK–India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) is a new visa that allows young Indian professionals to easily move to the UK for living, studying, working or traveling purposes. For Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 years, this work visa scheme will grant them the opportunity to acquire two years of international experience in the UK.
What Is UK–India Young Professionals Scheme?
The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme, which is part of the UK-India youth mobility partnership, was created to enable cultural exchange and professional growth. The scheme allows 3,000 visas per year for selected Indian nationals to live and work in the UK for a duration of two years.
Unlike the conventional work visas, YPS has completely eliminated the need for a job offer or employer sponsorship. This not only gives the applicants the liberty to work but also to find a job, start a business or even go to school while in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria
- An Indian citizen who is between 18 and 30 years of age on the day of
- A person with a bachelor’s degree or higher (or an equivalent overseas qualification)
- At least £2,530 in savings, which has been maintained for at least 28 days consecutively and the last day of the 28 days falls within 31 days prior to
- No dependent children under 18 years of age living with them or being financially supported by them.
- Not being a former holder of a YPS visa or a Youth Mobility Scheme
How the Ballot Works – Entry & Selection
1. Ballot Entry
Initially, the YPS ballot needs to be entered, which does not involve any payment. Those applying for the program declare their eligibility and provide some personal information (name, date of birth, passport number, email).
2. Selection
As the demand is more than the restricted number of visas, the winners are decided by a random draw through the ballot.
3. Invitation to Apply
Once selected, you will get an email invitation to apply for the real visa.
Activities Allowed in the UK with a YPS Visa
As a holder of the Young Professionals Scheme visa between India and the UK, you have the following privileges during your stay –
- To work in the majority of positions without the need for employer
- To be self-employed or establish a business, provided you adhere to certain conditions(e.g., the total value of your assets must not exceed £5,000 and you cannot have any staff).
- To take courses (please note that some programs might ask for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate).
- To enter and leave the UK as often as you wish while your visa is in
On the other hand, there are some limitations –
- The YPS visa cannot be extended for more than 24
- Most public funds and benefits are not available for
- You are not allowed dependants with this visa, family members must choose a separate visa route.
- It is not possible to work as a professional sportsperson under this
Conclusion
The UK–India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) is a unique and precious chance for young Indian professionals to stay in the UK for two years to live, work, study or set up their business. Even though the process includes a ballot selection, good planning of eligibility documents, financial proof and application according to the timeline can really increase your chances. This tailor-made visa route grants 3,000 visas every year and it is an awesome way to create a global career, acquire valuable work exposure and expand your professional networks.