UK Ballot Visa 2025: How to apply online for UK visa under India Young Professionals Scheme?

By | July 23, 2025
Indian graduate applying for UK Ballot Visa 2025 under Young Professionals Scheme

The United Kingdom’s India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) offers a golden opportunity for educated young Indians to live and work in the UK for up to two years. In a move to strengthen the UK-India migration and mobility partnership, the UK government has opened the final 2025 ballot under this scheme between July 22 and July 24, giving another chance to qualified Indian citizens.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from eligibility to the application process—for the 2025 YPS visa.

What is the India Young Professionals Scheme?

The India Young Professionals Scheme is part of a broader UK–India Migration and Mobility Partnership, signed in 2021. It allows up to 3,000 Indian nationals aged between 18 and 30 years to live, work, and travel in the UK for two years, without needing a job offer in advance.

Unlike typical UK work visas, this scheme is more flexible, designed to promote cultural exchange and professional development between the two nations.

Why Is the YPS Scheme Important?

This visa scheme is significant for a number of reasons:

  • It fosters bilateral ties between the UK and India.
  • It provides a legal pathway for young, educated Indians to explore professional and cultural life in the UK.
  • It fills skilled labour gaps in the UK, particularly in areas like tech, finance, and healthcare.
  • It allows visa holders to work, study, or be self-employed during their stay.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility conditions. Here are the main requirements:

  • Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
  • Age: Must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
  • Education: Must hold a graduate-level qualification or higher (equivalent to UK bachelor’s degree).
  • Financial requirement: Must have at least £2,530 in savings held continuously for 28 days.
  • Dependents: You must not have children under 18 living with you or financially dependent on you.
  • First-time applicant: You must not have previously held a visa under this scheme.

How Does the Ballot Work?

The YPS visa process starts with a ballot, which is essentially a lottery system. Because demand often exceeds the 3,000 annual quota, this ballot system ensures a fair selection process.

Key Details:

  • Ballot Dates: July 22, 1:30 PM IST – July 24, 1:30 PM IST.
  • Entry is Free: There’s no fee to enter the ballot.
  • Where to Apply: The ballot entry form is available on the official UK government website: gov.uk.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online

If you’re planning to apply for the 2025 YPS visa, follow this detailed step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Enter the Ballot

  1. Visit the official UK government website during the ballot period.
  2. Fill in your full name, date of birth, passport details, a scanned copy of your passport, and your email and phone number.
  3. Submit your application and wait for confirmation.

📌 Tip: Only one entry per person is allowed. Submitting multiple entries can lead to disqualification.

Step 2: Wait for Ballot Results

  • Results are usually announced within 2 weeks of the ballot closing.
  • If selected, you’ll receive an email invitation to apply for the visa.
  • If not selected, you’ll need to wait for the next ballot cycle (usually annual).

Step 3: Submit Visa Application

Once you receive the invitation, you have 90 days to complete the next steps:

  1. Apply online through the official UK visa application portal.
  2. Pay the visa fee (£319) and health surcharge (£776/year).
  3. Upload required documents:
    • Passport
    • Proof of education (degree certificate)
    • Bank statements showing £2,530 funds
    • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
    • Police clearance (if asked)
  4. Schedule a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.

What Happens After Applying?

After you’ve submitted your biometric data and documents:

  • You’ll usually get a decision within three weeks.
  • If approved, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport.
  • You must travel to the UK within 6 months of your visa being granted.

Once in the UK, you can:

  • Work full-time
  • Study part-time or full-time
  • Be self-employed (with some restrictions)
  • Travel in and out of the UK freely during your 2-year visa period

Can You Extend or Switch Visas?

No. The India Young Professionals visa is not extendable, and you cannot bring dependents. However, once in the UK, you may switch to another eligible visa route (like Skilled Worker visa), if you meet the requirements and find a sponsor.

Final Thoughts

The UK Ballot Visa 2025 under the India Young Professionals Scheme is a rare and valuable opportunity for young Indian graduates. With no need for a job offer, minimal entry barriers, and a generous 2-year stay, it’s an ideal route for young professionals wanting to explore life in the UK.

Make sure your documents are in order, your details are accurate, and your savings meet the required threshold. With a bit of luck and careful preparation, this could be your chance to launch an international career.