UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Visa

The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) Visa is a bespoke immigration route that enables eligible Indian nationals to live, work and study in the UK for up to two years. Designed as part of the UK-India Migration and Mobility Partnership, the scheme provides a structured opportunity for young professionals to gain international experience while supporting UK employers in accessing a pool of highly skilled graduates. For UK businesses, particularly those struggling with recruitment in competitive sectors, the YPS route offers a flexible alternative to sponsored work visas.

What this article is about
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Visa. It explains the eligibility requirements for applicants, details the application and ballot process, outlines the rights and restrictions of visa holders, and considers the compliance issues for UK employers hiring under the scheme. It also addresses common questions and clarifies the scheme’s position within the wider UK immigration system.

By the end of this guide, applicants will understand how to approach the visa process and employers will have clarity on what this scheme means for recruitment, workforce planning and right to work compliance.

 

Section A: Eligibility Requirements

 

To qualify under the UK‑India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements set by the UK Government. These criteria ensure the scheme is limited to young, skilled Indian nationals who can support themselves in the UK and contribute positively during their stay.

 

1. Nationality and age criteria

 

Applicants must be Indian nationals (citizens) aged 18 to 30. You must be at least 18 on the date you plan to travel to the UK. Entry into the scheme is by ballot: only those selected in a ballot round can apply for the visa.

 

 

2. Educational qualification requirements

 

Applicants must hold a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above, equivalent to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6, 7 or 8. An overseas degree at the same level is acceptable. Where comparability is unclear, formal confirmation may be required (for example, via UK ENIC).

 

 

3. English language and financial maintenance

 

Applicants must be able to maintain themselves financially without recourse to public funds. You must show at least £2,530 in savings, held for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of applying. English language is expected given the graduate‑level requirement; evidence may be requested where appropriate (for example, degree taught in English).

 

 

4. Restrictions and exclusions

 

• You cannot include dependants: family members cannot accompany or join you on this route.
• You must first be selected in the ballot before you can apply.
• You cannot apply if you have previously held leave under the India YPS or under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
• You must meet the “no children under 18” condition (no children who live with you or for whom you are financially responsible).

 

Section Summary
Eligibility is limited to Indian nationals aged 18–30 with a bachelor’s degree or higher, sufficient personal savings, no eligible dependants, and prior selection in the ballot. Prior YPS or Youth Mobility Scheme participation bars eligibility. These rules create a defined pool of degree‑educated, financially self‑sufficient candidates for UK employers.

 

Section B: Application Process

 

The application process for the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Visa is distinctive. Indian nationals must first enter a ballot, with only those successfully drawn invited to apply. With demand significantly higher than the number of available places, the process is competitive and time-sensitive.

 

1. Ballot system for Indian nationals

 

The scheme is run on a ballot basis, generally twice each year, usually in February and July. Eligible Indian nationals submit an expression of interest during the ballot window. From all entries, a random selection is made. Only those chosen receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

There are 3,000 places available annually. If not selected, applicants must wait until the next ballot.

 

 

2. Documents required for application

 

Successful candidates invited to apply must provide supporting evidence, typically including:

• Valid Indian passport
• Proof of age (via passport or ID)
• Degree certificate or transcript (plus UK ENIC confirmation if required)
• Evidence of meeting English language requirements (if requested)
• Bank statements showing £2,530 savings held for at least 28 consecutive days
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if required)

 

 

3. Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge

 

The visa application fee is £298. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). From April 2024 the rate is £1,035 per year. For a two-year YPS visa this amounts to £2,070. Both the fee and IHS are paid online when applying.

 

 

4. Processing times and decision-making

 

Once the online application is submitted and biometrics provided, decisions are usually made within three weeks. Given the strict time limits of the invitation to apply, applicants should prepare documents in advance to avoid missing deadlines. Failure to apply in time or provide required evidence will result in refusal and loss of the ballot place.

 

Section Summary
Applicants first enter a ballot, typically held in February and July, with 3,000 annual places available. Selected candidates submit an online application with supporting evidence, pay the £298 application fee and £2,070 IHS, and provide biometrics. Decisions are normally issued within three weeks. The competitive and capped nature of the process requires careful preparation and prompt action.

 

Section C: Conditions of Stay in the UK

 

Successful applicants under the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Visa are granted permission to live in the UK for up to two years. During this time they have the right to work and study, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. These conditions reinforce the temporary nature of the scheme and its role as a cultural and professional exchange rather than a long-term migration route.

 

1. Work rights and restrictions

 

YPS visa holders can work in the UK in most roles without employer sponsorship. This flexibility makes the scheme attractive to both employers and applicants. However, employment as a professional sportsperson or sports coach is prohibited. Employers must ensure the role offered does not fall into restricted categories.

 

 

2. Study permissions

 

Visa holders are permitted to study in the UK, including at postgraduate level. In certain cases an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate will be required, particularly for postgraduate study in sensitive subjects. Employers should note that some visa holders may combine work and study during their stay.

 

 

3. Duration of stay (2 years, no extension)

 

The YPS visa is issued for a fixed period of two years and cannot be extended. When it expires, the individual must either leave the UK or have switched into a different immigration category before the expiry date. Time spent in the UK on a YPS visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

 

 

4. No settlement pathway and onward options

 

The YPS route does not lead to settlement. However, visa holders may apply to switch into another category before their YPS leave expires, provided they meet the relevant requirements. Examples include the Skilled Worker visa, Innovator Founder visa or Global Talent visa. Employers wishing to retain staff beyond two years should review sponsorship or other long-term visa options early.

 

Section Summary
The YPS visa allows holders to work and study in the UK without sponsorship for two years. It cannot be extended and does not count towards settlement. ATAS clearance may be required for certain studies. Employers should see this as a short-term opportunity and consider alternative immigration routes if they wish to retain talent once the visa expires.

 

Section D: Employer & HR Considerations

 

For UK employers, the UK‑India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) provides access to degree‑educated, English‑speaking candidates without the cost or administration of sponsorship. That flexibility does not remove core compliance duties: employers must complete right to work checks correctly, track visa expiry dates, and plan ahead if longer‑term retention is desired.

 

1. Right to work checks on YPS visa holders

 

Most YPS holders have a digital immigration status and will evidence their permission using a Home Office share code. Employers should:

• Obtain a valid share code from the candidate and use the official online right to work service to view status and work permissions.
• Record the check correctly: retain a clear copy or PDF of the online check result page, including the photograph, name, type of permission, and expiry date.
• Diarise the permission end date and complete a follow‑up check before expiry to maintain the statutory excuse against illegal working penalties.
• Apply checks consistently and avoid discrimination: the same process should apply to all prospective employees.

 

Where a physical document is presented (for example, during transition cases), complete the check in line with current guidance. If the individual later switches into a sponsored route, further evidence may be required at that time.

 

2. Sponsorship not required – comparison with Skilled Worker

 

Unlike the Skilled Worker route, YPS does not require a sponsor licence, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), or compliance with sponsor management system (SMS) duties. This reduces costs and lead times and allows YPS workers to move between employers freely. However, the absence of sponsorship also means less retention leverage: employees can change roles more easily and the visa cannot be extended beyond two years. If ongoing employment is needed, consider early assessment for Skilled Worker sponsorship or another long‑term route.

 

3. Compliance and record‑keeping obligations

 

• Complete a compliant initial right to work check (online service with share code in most cases) before employment starts.
• Retain evidence of the check and keep it for the duration of employment and at least two years after it ends.
• Monitor permission end dates and conduct timely follow‑up checks where continued employment is contemplated.
• Ensure recruitment and HR processes avoid unlawful discrimination and are aligned to current Home Office guidance.

 

 

4. Opportunities and risks for employers

 

Opportunities: rapid access to skilled graduates; no licence or sponsorship costs; broad work permission across sectors. Risks: fixed two‑year limit; no extension and no direct settlement path; potential turnover as workers can move freely; limited annual places and ballot timing. Employers who identify high‑performing YPS staff should plan retention routes early (e.g., Skilled Worker) and brief managers on timelines and evidence requirements.

Section Summary
YPS can streamline hiring by removing sponsorship steps while maintaining the need for robust right to work checks and expiry tracking. Treat the route as a short‑term resourcing tool, with early planning for sponsorship or alternative visas where long‑term retention is business‑critical.

 

FAQs

 

Can YPS visa holders bring family members?

 

No. Dependants are not permitted on this route. Each applicant must qualify individually. Family members wishing to come to the UK must qualify under a separate immigration category.

 

How many places are available each year?

 

There are 3,000 places annually for Indian nationals, divided across two ballot rounds, usually in February and July. If not selected, applicants must wait until the next ballot to re-enter.

 

Can a YPS visa holder switch into another immigration route?

 

Yes, switching is possible if the applicant meets the criteria of the new visa route, for example Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, or Global Talent. The application must be made before the YPS visa expires. Overstaying beyond the expiry date is unlawful and will bar switching in the UK.

 

What happens if a YPS visa holder loses their job?

 

The YPS visa is unsponsored, so job loss does not affect immigration status. The visa holder can remain in the UK for the duration of their visa and take up another job or study. However, they must leave the UK or switch into another route before expiry.

 

Conclusion

 

The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) Visa is a time-limited immigration route designed to promote professional and cultural exchange. It enables eligible Indian nationals to live, work and study in the UK for up to two years without employer sponsorship. For UK businesses, it offers a flexible way to access graduate-level talent without the costs and duties of a sponsor licence.

There are, however, important limitations. The visa is capped at 3,000 places annually, cannot be extended, does not allow dependants, and carries no direct path to settlement. Employers seeking long-term retention must act early to assess sponsorship under another route, such as Skilled Worker. Applicants must be prepared to leave or switch before expiry: overstaying is unlawful and jeopardises future applications.

From a compliance perspective, employers must complete right to work checks using the Home Office online service, record expiry dates, and conduct follow-ups where necessary. Although sponsorship duties do not apply, the statutory obligation to prevent illegal working remains fully in force.

Section Summary
The YPS route is best understood as a short-term opportunity: it provides access to highly qualified, English-speaking graduates and enriches UK workplaces with new skills and perspectives. Employers can benefit from lower compliance overheads, provided they remain vigilant on right to work obligations and visa expiry management.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Ballot	The lottery-style selection system used to allocate the limited annual quota of YPS visas to eligible Indian nationals.
Digital immigration status	An online record of immigration permission used by most YPS visa holders, accessed through a share code and the Home Office right to work service.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	A mandatory fee paid by visa applicants to access the UK’s National Health Service. From April 2024 the rate is £1,035 per year.
Right to work check	The legal process by which UK employers confirm that an individual has valid permission to work, usually via the Home Office online checking service.
RQF Level 6	The Regulated Qualifications Framework level equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)	Permission to stay in the UK without time restrictions. The YPS visa does not lead directly to settlement.
UK ENIC	The UK agency that compares international qualifications to UK standards, often required to confirm overseas degree equivalence.
Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)	A separate UK visa route, similar to YPS, open to nationals of selected countries but not linked to the UK-India partnership.

 

Useful Links

 

Resource	Link
GOV.UK – UK-India Young Professionals Scheme visa guidance	https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa
GOV.UK – Right to work checks: an employer’s guide	https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work
DavidsonMorris – UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Visa	https://www.davidsonmorris.com/uk-india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/
Xpats.io – UK-India Young Professionals Scheme Visa	https://www.xpats.io/uk-india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/