government has opened its second ballot for the UK-India Young Professional Scheme, offering young Indians aged between 18 and 30 years with graduate-level qualifications the chance to live, work, or study in the UK for up to two years. The ballot, which will close on July 27, provides an opportunity for eligible candidates to apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
There are a total of 3,000 places available under the scheme for the year 2023. In the first ballot held in February, most places were allocated, and the remaining slots will be randomly selected from this month’s ballot. While entering the ballot is free, applicants are encouraged to participate only if they intend to apply for the visa, which costs £259, and meet the financial, educational, and other requirements. Additionally, there are other expenses involved, including a £940 healthcare surcharge and proof of £2,530 in personal savings.
The Young Professionals Scheme was established as part of a reciprocal arrangement between India and the UK, allowing British nationals to also receive similar visas to live and work in India. This move was hailed as a significant moment for bilateral relations and a demonstration of the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Indo-Pacific region, aiming to boost both Indian and British economies.
The initiative is also expected to support the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations between the two countries, which have completed 11 rounds of talks. Chancellor Rishi Sunak emphasized the value of the cultural and historic ties between India and the UK, expressing his satisfaction with the opportunity for more of India’s brightest young individuals to experience life in the UK and vice versa, fostering mutual enrichment in economies and societies.
