Young Professional Visa UK

The Young Professional visa is a UK immigration route available to certain overseas nationals under bilateral agreements between the UK and partner countries. The visa allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for a temporary period, contributing to cultural and professional exchange between participating nations.

What this article is about: This guide provides employers, HR professionals, and prospective applicants with a detailed overview of the Young Professional visa. It explains who can apply, how the visa works in practice, the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the employment considerations for UK businesses hiring individuals under this route. It also answers common questions about the scheme and outlines employer compliance responsibilities.

Section A: Overview of the Young Professional Visa

 

The Young Professional visa is designed as part of the UK’s reciprocal mobility arrangements with select countries, most notably through the UK–India Migration and Mobility Partnership. As of August 2025, India is the only country with an active scheme. The programme provides a limited number of visas each year for young professionals from India to work in the UK for a fixed period, without the need for employer sponsorship.

The visa operates similarly to the Youth Mobility Scheme but is distinct in its eligibility requirements and the professional level of work it expects from participants. The Young Professional visa is aimed at graduates or individuals with a certain level of professional qualification, in contrast to the Youth Mobility Scheme, which is open to a broader age-based pool of applicants.

Under the current agreement with India, up to 3,000 Indian nationals aged between 18 and 30 are granted permission annually to live and work in the UK under the Young Professional visa. The visa allows successful applicants to stay for up to 24 months. Unlike the Skilled Worker route, the visa does not require a UK employer to hold a sponsor licence or to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. Instead, applicants secure their visa independently through the ballot and application process, and employers only need to complete right to work checks once an individual is hired.

The scheme reflects the UK’s strategy of strengthening international ties by facilitating temporary migration that benefits both the individual and the host country. It allows young professionals to gain international work experience, while providing UK employers with access to a small but skilled pool of international talent.

Section Summary
The Young Professional visa is a time-limited work route for nationals of partner countries, most notably India, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to two years without employer sponsorship. Unlike the Youth Mobility Scheme, it is targeted at graduates and professionals, and while numbers are capped annually, the scheme offers UK employers the opportunity to recruit skilled young workers with minimal administrative burden.

 

Section B: Eligibility Criteria

 

Applicants for the Young Professional visa must meet specific requirements set by the UK Home Office. These ensure that participants fit the scheme’s purpose: facilitating temporary mobility for skilled young nationals while maintaining immigration control and labour market integrity.

 

1. Nationality and Age Requirements

 

As of August 2025, the live Young Professionals Scheme operates with India under the UK–India Migration and Mobility Partnership. The scheme is limited to eligible Indian nationals who must be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application. Applications from individuals outside this age bracket will be refused.

 

2. Education and Skills Requirements

 

The Young Professional visa is distinct from the Youth Mobility Scheme because it requires applicants to have a higher education or professional qualification. Specifically, applicants must hold a qualification at RQF Level 6 (UK bachelor’s degree) or above, or an overseas qualification that is equivalent. Where the qualification is obtained outside the UK, the Home Office may require confirmation of equivalence from ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC). Evidence typically includes a degree certificate and, if applicable, an ECCTIS statement.

The requirement signals that participants are expected to take up roles commensurate with graduate-level skills and knowledge. While no sponsorship is required and job categories are not prescribed as in the Skilled Worker route, visa holders should undertake work that aligns with their qualifications.

 

3. Financial and English Language Requirements

 

Applicants must show they can support themselves on arrival. The current maintenance requirement is £2,530 in savings, held for at least 28 consecutive days prior to application. Bank statements or equivalent financial evidence are required to demonstrate this.

An English language requirement applies. Applicants can meet it by providing evidence of a degree taught in English (subject to Home Office acceptance and ECCTIS confirmation where relevant) or by passing an approved Secure English Language Test at the required level. This is a mandatory element for Indian applicants.

Section Summary
To qualify, applicants must be eligible Indian nationals aged 18–30 with a bachelor’s degree (RQF 6) or higher, or an equivalent overseas qualification confirmed where necessary by ECCTIS. They must also satisfy the maintenance requirement of £2,530 for 28 days and meet the English language requirement. These criteria ensure the route remains focused on skilled young professionals who can contribute during their temporary stay in the UK.

 

Section C: Application Process

 

Applying for the Young Professional visa involves several steps. The process is designed to manage high demand, verify eligibility, and ensure only suitable applicants are granted permission. For UK employers, understanding the process helps in anticipating candidate arrival timelines and right to work verification.

 

1. Expression of Interest and Ballot

 

For Indian nationals, the application process begins with an expression of interest submitted through the GOV.UK portal. Because there are only 3,000 visas available each year, a ballot system operates to allocate places. Ballot windows are announced in advance, usually opening twice per year.

Once the ballot closes, entrants are selected at random. Those chosen are invited to apply formally for a visa. Selection in the ballot does not guarantee a visa but gives the applicant an opportunity to proceed. Those not selected may reapply in future ballot rounds.

 

2. Submitting the Visa Application

 

Applicants successful in the ballot must submit a full visa application online. This includes personal details and supporting evidence such as:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Proof of nationality and age
• Evidence of qualifications (degree certificate and, if relevant, ECCTIS confirmation)
• Evidence of English language ability
• Proof of financial savings to meet the maintenance requirement
• Tuberculosis test results (if required by country of residence)

 

Applicants must also provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). This is usually done at a visa application centre overseas, although some may be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app depending on eligibility.

 

3. Processing Times and Fees

 

The application fee is currently £298. Applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at £776 per year, which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service during their stay.

Applications are typically decided within around three weeks from the date biometrics are submitted. This is an average processing time, not a guaranteed service standard, and applicants are advised to apply well in advance of intended travel.

Section Summary
The Young Professional visa process starts with an expression of interest via a ballot, followed by a full visa application for successful entrants. Applicants must provide documentation, pay application and healthcare fees, and submit biometrics. The Home Office typically issues a decision within three weeks, enabling successful applicants to travel and take up work in the UK.

 

Section D: Employer Considerations

 

For employers, the Young Professional visa provides access to international graduates without the administrative and financial burden of sponsorship. However, businesses must still meet compliance obligations, particularly around right to work checks and awareness of visa restrictions.

 

1. Right to Work Checks

 

Before employing a Young Professional visa holder, employers must conduct a statutory right to work check. This is carried out through the Home Office online checking service using a share code provided by the visa holder. The check confirms the individual’s immigration status and establishes a statutory excuse against liability for employing someone illegally.

Employers must retain evidence of the check, such as a copy of the online verification result, and keep it securely in HR records. These records may be requested by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) during compliance visits or audits.

 

2. Employment Rights of Visa Holders

 

Young Professional visa holders have the same core employment rights as UK workers, including the right to be paid the National Minimum or Living Wage, entitlement to paid annual leave, and protection from workplace discrimination. They may take up employment across most sectors and roles.

There are some restrictions. Holders cannot work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches and cannot access public funds. While visa holders may study alongside employment, the primary purpose of their stay must be work.

 

3. Sponsorship and Compliance

 

Unlike the Skilled Worker route, the Young Professional visa does not require employer sponsorship. This eliminates the need for a sponsor licence, certificates of sponsorship, and the associated compliance duties.

Despite this, employers remain legally responsible for ensuring they employ only individuals with valid permission to work. Employing someone without the correct immigration status can lead to fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker, reputational damage, and potential criminal liability in serious cases. It is therefore essential that businesses carry out right to work checks consistently and keep records in order.

Section Summary
The Young Professional visa allows employers to hire international graduates with minimal administrative burden, but compliance obligations still apply. Employers must complete right to work checks, respect visa restrictions, and maintain accurate HR records. By meeting these responsibilities, businesses can lawfully benefit from the skills and experience visa holders bring.

 

FAQs

 

What is the difference between the Young Professional visa and the Youth Mobility Scheme?
The Youth Mobility Scheme is open to a wider pool of applicants from certain countries aged 18–30 and does not require a degree. The Young Professional visa is targeted at graduates and requires higher education or professional qualifications. It operates under bilateral agreements—currently active with India—and is capped annually.

Do applicants need a job offer before applying?
No. A job offer is not required. Applicants apply independently via the ballot and, if selected, submit a visa application. Once granted, they can seek employment in the UK and employers complete standard right to work checks.

Can visa holders extend their stay or switch routes?
The visa is granted for a fixed period (up to 24 months) and cannot be extended. However, eligible individuals may switch into a different immigration category from within the UK—such as the Skilled Worker route—if they meet the relevant requirements and obtain sponsorship from a licensed employer.

How many visas are available under the India scheme each year?
Up to 3,000 places are available annually for eligible Indian nationals. Demand is high, so a ballot is used to allocate invitations to apply.

Can dependants join a Young Professional visa holder in the UK?
No. Dependants are not permitted under the India Young Professionals Scheme. Family members who wish to travel must qualify under a separate visa route.

 

Conclusion

 

The Young Professional visa provides a valuable opportunity for eligible young graduates to gain international work experience in the UK while supporting cultural exchange between partner countries. The route is time-limited and capped annually, ensuring it remains focused on temporary mobility rather than long-term settlement.

For employers, the scheme offers a practical way to access skilled international talent without the administrative and financial responsibilities of sponsorship under routes such as the Skilled Worker visa. The primary compliance obligation lies in carrying out statutory right to work checks and maintaining accurate records.

Although restricted to Indian nationals as of August 2025, the scheme highlights the UK’s commitment to strengthening global ties through targeted migration programmes. Businesses willing to hire under this route can benefit from motivated graduates with fresh skills and perspectives, provided they remain compliant with immigration and employment law.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
Young Professional Visa	A UK visa route for eligible nationals under reciprocal agreements, such as India, allowing graduates aged 18–30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years without sponsorship.
India Young Professionals Scheme	A bilateral agreement between the UK and India granting up to 3,000 visas annually for eligible Indian graduates to work in the UK temporarily.
Youth Mobility Scheme	A separate UK visa route for young nationals of certain countries aged 18–30, not requiring a degree, allowing them to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
Right to Work Check	The statutory process UK employers must follow to verify that an individual has valid immigration status permitting work in the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	A mandatory annual payment visa applicants make to access the UK’s National Health Service during their stay.
ECCTIS	The UK agency responsible for confirming whether an overseas qualification is equivalent to a UK degree level for immigration purposes.

 

Useful Links

 

Resource	Link
GOV.UK – India Young Professionals Scheme visa	https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa
GOV.UK – Right to Work Checks	https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work
Xpats.io – UK India Young Professionals Scheme Visa	https://www.xpats.io/uk-india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/