Work in the UK for 2 Years: YPS Ballot 2 Opens Soon for Indian Graduates

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Tarang Patel

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24/06/2025

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Blog Profile Image

Tarang Patel

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24/06/2025

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158 Views

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The second ballot for the UK’s India Young Professionals Scheme 2025 opens this July. Find out how to apply and start your journey to study in UK.

What is the YPS Visa?

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The India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) enables Indian citizens aged 18–30 to live, work, and even study in UK for up to 2 years. It’s a reciprocal visa program designed to strengthen professional and cultural exchange between India and the United Kingdom. Whether you’re aiming to build global work experience or explore academic opportunities, YPS offers a flexible and valuable pathway to do so, without requiring employer sponsorship.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Nationality: Indian citizen
  • Age: 18–30 at the time of entry
  • Education: Minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s degree (UK Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6 or above)
  • Maintenance Funds: Must have £2,530 in savings, held for at least 28 days before application
  • Dependents: No dependent children under 18
  • Prior Visa: Not previously participated in YPS or UK Youth Mobility Scheme

Ballot Rounds for 2025

The YPS uses a two-ballot system in 2025:

  • First ballot: 18–20 Feb IST (open for 48 hours)
  • Second (remaining places): July 2025
    A total of 3,000 slots are allocated for this year

How to Enter the Ballot

  • You’ll submit your entry online via GOV.UK during the open window
  • Provide: Full name, dob, passport scan, email, phone number
  • Each person may enter only once per ballot

Expect results within two weeks of ballot closing.

Application When Selected

If successful, you will receive an email invitation and must complete your visa application within 90 days.

  1. Online application
  2. Pay £319 visa fee + £1,552 Immigration Health Surcharge
  3. Provide biometrics at VAC
  4. Show documents: degree certificate, bank statement, passport, etc.
  5. Visa decision typically returned within 3 weeks, and you must enter the UK within 90 days post-grant
Timelines at a Glance
  • Ballot opens: 18 Feb 2025
  • Ballot closes: 20 Feb 2025
  • Results by: early/mid March
  • Apply by: within 90 days of invite
  • Latest UK entry: within 6 months of visa issue
  • Visa valid: for 24 months from entry date

What You Can Do on YPS Visa

  • Work: In most roles, including self-employment and starting a small business (under limits)
  • Study: Both full-time and part-time; some courses may require ATAS clearance
  • Travel: Freely enter and exit the UK during visa validity
  • Cannot: Extend the visa, bring dependents, or access public funds
Financial & Additional Requirements
  • Maintenance: Hold £2,530 for 28 days
  • Fees: £319 application fee + £1,552 health surcharge
  • Biometrics: Photo and fingerprints via VAC

Why the YPS Visa Matters

  • Global Experience: Live and work in the UK without needing employer sponsorship
  • Skill Building: Gain international roles, work independently, network globally
  • Flexibility: Short-term stay with diverse opportunities in work, study, and travel
Key Reminders

When applying for the India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS), keep these important points in mind. You may only enter the ballot once, duplicate entries will not be considered under any circumstances. Before submitting your entry, it’s essential to double-check your eligibility to avoid disqualification. If you’re selected, you’ll receive an invitation email and must complete your visa application within 90 days of that invitation. It’s crucial to act quickly within this timeframe. Also, remember that the YPS visa cannot be extended. Once the 2-year validity ends, you must either switch to another visa category (if eligible) or return to your home country. Planning ahead ensures a smooth experience throughout your stay in the UK.

Conclusion & How We Can Help

The India Young Professionals Scheme is an exceptional career-launching opportunity for Indian graduates seeking real-world UK experience. With its secure job rights, freedom to study and travel, and potential for entrepreneurship,  this visa opens doors to global horizons.

As a best study abroad education consultants, we can assist by:

  • Tracking ballot dates & notifying you proactively
  • Verifying eligibility & assisting entry submission
  • Preparing and organizing documents required for visa
  • Guiding you with financial planning and compliance
  • Providing interview prep and UK arrival orientation

Secure your entry into the YPS ballot, complete the visa wishlist confidently, and take your first step toward a transformative UK experience.

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