India and UK to launch Young Professionals Scheme for age group 18-30 on Feb 28: Here is all you need to know

NEW DELHI Jan 20: India and the United Kingdom will launch the Young Professionals Scheme on February 28, 2023. The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs following the conclusion of the 15th India-UK Foreign Office Consultation on January 16. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Sir Philip Barton, Permanent Under Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, led the respective sides of their countries during the consultation.

The new scheme that will open a wide range of opportunities for thousands of Indian nationals in the age group 18-30 years. The programme will be reciprocal, also allowing UK professionals in the same position to participate in a professional exchange by living and working in India.

A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during the 15th India-UK Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) stated that the programme would be launched on February 28. Due to the reciprocal nature of the scheme, UK professionals in similar positions would also be able to take part in this professional exchange to live and work in India.

To apply for the scheme a candidate need to prove that they can support themselves while in the UK, Indian candidates must show a certain amount of money in their bank accounts.

It is expected that the applicants from India will need to show a certain amount of money in their bank accounts (it is £2,530, approximately Rs 2.50 lakh, for other countries) to show that they can support themselves while in the UK. The other criteria is that applicants should not have children under the age of 18 living with them or children they are financially responsible for. Those successful will have no access to public funds although they will benefit from the UK’s National Health Services (NHS).

Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot 

Youth Mobility Scheme works through a ballot scheme where applicants have to apply during a 48 hour slot when it will be open for them to apply if they meet the criteria. The first ballot of the 2023 Youth Mobility Scheme opened from 00:01am on Tuesday 17 January and closed at 00:01am on Thursday 19 January. There’s a different ballot if you’re from India. The ballot will open only on February 28, 2023. Therefore, keep a watch on the website link which is given below.

How to Enter

Ballots typically open in January and July each year. You enter the ballot by sending an email. Strictly only one ballot entry can be submitted per person. Any duplications will not be counted. Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements for the visa before entering the ballot.

Ballots will be open for 48 hours. All emails we receive within this 48 hour period will be entered into the ballot. You will get an automated reply confirming your entry. Most applicants are usually chosen during the January ballot and the remaining places are allocated in the July ballot.

Writing your email
Your email must be in English.
The subject line of the email must include your:
name
date of birth
passport number

Write these in the format: Lastname Firstname-DD/MM/YYYY-passport number. Example subject line: Wong Janet – 31/03/2000 – 123456789

The body of the email must include your:
name
date of birth
passport number
mobile phone number
Emails received without this information or not in this format will not be considered.

If you’re successful in the ballot
You will receive an email by Friday 20 January if you were successful in the first ballot. Remember to check your junk inbox for any correspondence.

You then have 30 days to submit your application and pay the visa fee.

After you’ve paid, you’ll usually have 90 days to book your appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). This is where you will provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information).

Check with your local visa application centre if there are restrictions because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks of attending your appointment. Check the guidance on decision waiting times to find out how long visa decisions are currently taking.

If your visa application is successful, you will have 90 days to enter the UK. Your visa will be valid for 2 years.

If you cannot travel to the UK within 90 days, you’ll need to apply for an extension. You will not need to reapply for the visa. The expiry date of your visa will not change, including if your arrival in the UK has been delayed by coronavirus.

If you’re unsuccessful in the ballot
If you were unsuccessful in the first ballot, you’ll receive an email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing.

You’ll be able to enter the second ballot when it opens in July 2023, if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligibility
You can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa if you’re aged 18 to 30 and you’re from:
You must also be aged 18 to 30 on the date you apply for your visa.
You can also apply if you’re 18 to 30 and a:

British overseas citizen
British overseas territories citizen
British national (overseas)

You cannot apply if you have:
children under the age of 18 who live with you
children you’re financially responsible for
already been in the UK under the scheme

Money to support yourself
You must have at least £2,530 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll need to show proof of this when you apply.

Click to Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.