The next India Young Professionals Scheme visa ballot opens at 2:30pm (India Standard Time) on 20th February 2024 and closes at the same time on 22nd February 2024. This only provides a narrow window of time for prospective applicants to enter the ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme.
What is the India Young Professionals Scheme Ballot
Those who express interest in the India Young Professional visa will have their names added to a pool of candidates, from which a limited number will be selected by the Home Office at random after the ballot closes. This scheme is subject to a cap on applications, hence the ballot system enables the Home Office to select prospective applicants from the pool in a fair and equitable way.
How many people will be selected to apply for an India Young Professionals visa?
For the upcoming February 2024 ballot, the maximum number of applications for India Young Professional visas is capped at 3,000 people. This means that once the first round of people have been selected, those who have not been picked will need to enter the next ballot (July) if they still wish to apply in 2024.
Am I eligible for the India Young Professionals visa scheme?
Before entering the ballot, it is important to check if you are eligible for an India Young Professionals visa. Specifically, you must:
- be an Indian national aged between 18 and 30 years old
- be 18 years or over on the date you plan to travel to the UK
- hold a bachelor’s degree level or above (this must be at RQF level 6, 7 or 8)
- have £2,530 in savings to support yourself during your time in the UK (this must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days), and
- not have any child dependants
The rules state that those who have used the scheme before or the Youth Mobility Scheme visa will not be eligible.
How can I enter the India Young Professionals visa scheme ballot?
If you wish to express your interest in the India Young Professionals Scheme visa, you will need to enter your details on the Home Office ballot webpage*. You will be asked to provide your name, date of birth, passport details, a scan or photo of your passport, your phone number, and your email address. There is no fee to enter the ballot.
Once the selection process is complete, you will be informed within 2 weeks if you have been invited to apply for an India Young Professionals visa. If so, you will have 30 days to submit your application and pay the fee of £298.
It is expected that the next ballot will be in July 2024, however, the precise date is yet to be confirmed by the Home Office.
*Please note – the link you need to follow to enter the ballot will only be available when the ballot is open.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or at contact us today. We’re here to help!
