The UK Home Office has officially announced the opening of the 2026 ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme. This program offers 3,000 Indian citizens aged 18-30 the opportunity to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom for up to two years without requiring a job offer or employer sponsorship.
The application window will open on February 17, 2026 at 2:30 PM India Standard Time and close on February 19, 2026 at 2:30 PM IST. Entry to the ballot is completely free.
What Is the India Young Professionals Scheme?
The India Young Professionals Scheme is a bilateral agreement between the United Kingdom and India, established under the UK-India Migration and Mobility Partnership signed in 2021. This scheme allows young Indian professionals to gain international work experience in Britain.
Unlike traditional work visas that require employer sponsorship, the IYPS provides successful applicants the freedom to work in any job, study, or start a business during their two-year stay. This has made it extremely popular among Indian graduates seeking global career opportunities.
Key Dates for 2026
-The ballot window opens on February 17, 2026 at 2:30 PM IST and closes on February 19, 2026 at 2:30 PM IST. Applicants can submit their entries at any time during this 48-hour period.
-There is no advantage to applying early in the window as winners are selected randomly through a computer-based system.
-Results will be communicated via email within two weeks after the ballot closes. Those selected will have 90 days to submit their formal visa application.
-A second and final ballot is expected to open in July 2026, offering any remaining places not allocated in the first round.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the ballot and subsequently the visa, candidates must meet the following requirements:
✓ Nationality and Age Requirements
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Must hold a valid Indian passport
- Must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application
- Passport must be valid for the entire planned stay in the UK
✓ Educational Qualifications
- Must have a bachelor's degree or higher from a recognized institution
- Or must have at least three years of documented skilled work experience
- UK ENIC may assess degree equivalency if needed
✓ Financial Requirements
- Must have minimum savings of £2,530 in a bank account
- The money must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days
- Day 28 must fall within 31 days of visa application
✓ English Language Requirements
- Must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR B1 level or higher
- Or must have completed a degree taught entirely in English
- Approved test certificates from recognized testing centers are accepted
✓ Other Requirements
- Must not have dependent children under 18
- Must not have previously held an IYPS or Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- Must provide police clearance certificate
- Must provide TB test certificate if required based on travel history
Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Review all requirements carefully before entering the ballot. You must be eligible at the time of application.
Step 2: Enter the Ballot
Submit your entry during the February 17-19 window. Provide your name, date of birth, passport details, passport scan or photo, phone number, and email address.
Step 3: Wait for Results
Results are sent by email within two weeks of the ballot closing. Only successful candidates receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
Step 4: Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents including passport, degree certificate, bank statements showing £2,530 savings, English test results, police clearance certificate, and TB certificate if applicable.
Step 5: Submit Visa Application
Complete the online application within 90 days of receiving the selection email. Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. Book and attend a biometrics appointment.
Step 6: Receive Decision
UKVI typically processes applications within three weeks. Once approved, you must travel to the UK within six months of your application date.
Costs and Fees
- Ballot Entry: Free
- Visa Application Fee: £319 (non-refundable if rejected)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year (total £1,552 for two years)
- Total Estimated Cost: Approximately £1,871
- Additional costs may include English language testing fees (approximately £150-200), police clearance certificate fees, and TB test fees depending on individual circumstances.
What You Can Do on This Visa
- Work in any job role, full-time or part-time
- Change employers freely without restrictions
- Be self-employed (under specific conditions)
- Study approved courses
- Travel in and out of the UK multiple times
- Start a small business with certain limitations
What You Cannot Do
- Stay in the UK beyond 24 months
- Extend the visa beyond the initial period
- Access public funds or government benefits
- Work as a professional sportsperson
- Bring dependants (spouse, children)
- Apply for settlement or permanent residency
- Transfer the visa to another person
Self-Employment Rules
If you plan to be self-employed in the UK:
- Business premises must be rented, not owned
- Business equipment cannot exceed £5,000 in value
- You cannot have any employees
- You must register with HMRC for self-assessment taxes
Important Warning
The UK government strongly advises all applicants to use only the official GOV.UK website for their applications. The ballot entry is completely free of charge.
Be extremely cautious of third-party websites, agents, or services that:
- Charge fees for ballot registration
- Promise guaranteed selection
- Claim to have special access to the application
These services are unauthorized and may result in loss of money and personal data. Always use the official GOV.UK portal for all application processes.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Prepare documents early: Gather all required documents before the ballot opens so you can apply quickly if selected.
- Check passport validity: Ensure your Indian passport is valid for your entire planned stay in the UK.
- Maintain savings: Keep £2,530 in your bank account for at least 28 days before applying. Do not make sudden large deposits.
- Book English test early: Test slots fill up quickly. Book your test well in advance of the ballot.
- Monitor your email: Check your email regularly after the ballot closes. Selection emails are time-sensitive.
- Keep digital copies: Save copies of all documents in case of loss or for backup purposes.
- Verify official sources: Double-check all information against official GOV.UK guidelines before applying.
About the Second Ballot
The UK Home Office has confirmed that a second and final ballot for 2026 will take place later in the year, expected around July 2026. This ballot will offer any remaining places not allocated in the February ballot.
If you are not selected in the first ballot, you will have another opportunity to apply. To stay updated on the exact dates for the second ballot, regularly check the official GOV.UK guidance page.
The India Young Professionals Scheme 2026 represents a valuable opportunity for young Indian professionals to gain international work experience in the United Kingdom. With 3,000 places available and no requirement for employer sponsorship, this visa offers exceptional flexibility for career development and cultural exchange.
The ballot window opens on February 17, 2026. If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents now and be ready to enter the ballot as soon as it opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I apply in the ballot window?
There is no advantage to applying early or late. The selection is random, so submit anytime during the February 17-19 window that is convenient for you.
2. What if I am not selected in February?
You can apply again in the second ballot expected in July 2026. The remaining spots will be available then. There is no limit on how many times you can apply.
3. Can I apply if I am currently in the UK on another visa?
No. You must apply from outside the UK. If you are on a Student Visa or other visa, you must leave the UK and apply from India if selected.
4. What documents do I need after being selected?
You will need: valid passport, degree certificate, bank statements showing £2,530 for 28 days, English language test results, police clearance certificate, and TB test certificate if required.
5. Can I study on this visa?
Yes, you can study on this visa. However, you cannot study courses that require a Student Visa. Check with your educational institution about any restrictions.
6. What happens if my visa application is rejected?
Your visa application fee and health surcharge are not refunded. You can review the reasons for rejection and may be able to appeal or reapply depending on the circumstances.
7. Can I bring my spouse or partner?
No. The India Young Professionals Scheme does not allow dependants. Your spouse, partner, or children cannot accompany you to the UK under this visa.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the UK India Young Professionals Scheme based on publicly available sources. Visa regulations and requirements may change. Always refer to the official GOV.UK website for the most current and accurate information. This article does not constitute legal advice.