UK India YPS Ballot 2026

The UK government has confirmed the second and final ballot of 2026 for the India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS), giving Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 a last opportunity this year to enter the ballot for a two-year UK visa. The ballot opens at 1:30 PM IST on 21 July 2026 and closes at 1:30 PM IST on 23 July 2026 — a 48-hour window.

A total of 3,000 places are available under the scheme for 2026. Most were allocated during the first ballot in February 2026, and the remaining places will be distributed through this final round. Entry to the ballot is completely free, and selection is random — not based on merit, qualifications, or how early you apply.

If selected, you get 90 days to submit your visa application. The visa costs £340 plus a £1,552 healthcare surcharge, and you must show £2,530 in savings. Successful applicants can stay in the UK for up to 24 months, work in most jobs, and study during their stay.

Key Takeaways

• -UK opens final India YPS ballot: 21 July (1:30 PM IST) → 23 July (1:30 PM IST)
• -3,000 total places for 2026 — remaining spots allocated in this round
• -Free to enter the ballot. Selection is random, not first-come-first-served
• -Selected applicants get 90 days to apply for a 2-year UK work/study visa
• -Visa fee: £340 + £1,552 IHS. Must show £2,530 in savings
• -Age limit: 18–30. Must hold an eligible qualification
• -One entry per person. Duplicate entries are discarded

What Is the India Young Professionals Scheme?

The India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) is a bilateral visa programme between India and the UK, launched under the UK–India Migration and Mobility Partnership signed in May 2021. It allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to live, work, and study in the UK for up to 24 months without needing a sponsor or employer.

Unlike work visas that require a job offer, the YPS uses a random ballot system to allocate places. This is the closest equivalent to a "UK lottery visa" — if you are selected in the ballot, you can apply for the visa regardless of your profession or job status.

Ballot Timeline: Key Dates

The final ballot of 2026 follows this timeline:

Who Can Enter the Ballot? (Eligibility)

You must meet ALL of these requirements to enter the ballot. If you are selected but do not meet the eligibility criteria, your visa application will be refused and your £340 fee will not be refunded.

How to Enter the Ballot (Step by Step)

Entering the ballot is simple and free. Here is exactly what you need to do:

Step 1: Check eligibility first

Before the ballot opens, confirm you meet all requirements — age 18–30, Indian citizen, eligible qualification, £2,530 in savings, and no previous YPS visa.

Step 2: Gather your details

You will need the following ready when the ballot opens:

• -Full name (as on passport)
• -Date of birth
• -Passport number
• -A scan or clear photo of your passport
• -Phone number
• -Email address

Step 3: Submit your entry during the 48-hour window

Go to the official UK government India Young Professionals Scheme ballot page at gov.uk between 1:30 PM IST on 21 July and 1:30 PM IST on 23 July 2026. Submit your details. You will receive an automated confirmation email.

Step 4: Wait for results

Results are emailed within 2 weeks of the ballot closing. Only successful applicants are contacted. If you do not receive an email by ~6 August 2026, assume you were not selected.

⚠️ Important: One entry per person only. Any duplicate entries from the same applicant will be discarded. The ballot is free — you do not need to pay anyone to enter.

What Happens If You Are Selected?

If your ballot entry is selected, you will receive an invitation email within 2 weeks after the ballot closes. You then have 90 days from the date of that email to complete your visa application.

Steps after selection:

• - Apply online through the official GOV.UK portal
• - Pay the £340 visa application fee
• - Pay the £1,552 Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• - Book and attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
• - Submit your supporting documents (qualification, bank statements, TB certificate, passport)
• - Wait for a decision — typically within 3 weeks of your appointment

⚠️ Selection in the ballot does not guarantee a visa. You must still meet all eligibility requirements and provide the correct documents. If your visa is refused, the £340 fee is non-refundable.

Cost Breakdown

Here is the full cost of the India YPS visa if you are selected in the ballot:

What You Can and Cannot Do on This Visa

You CAN:

• - Live and work in the UK for up to 24 months
• - Work in most jobs (including self-employment with restrictions)
• - Study (some courses may need ATAS certificate)
• - Enter and leave the UK any time during your visa validity
• - Stay even if you turn 31 after the visa is issued

You CANNOT:

• - Extend your stay beyond 24 months
• - Include family members on your application (they must apply separately)
• - Access most public funds or benefits
• - Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
• - Work as a doctor in training (unless applying under a separate route)

FAQs

When does the UK YPS ballot open and close?

The final ballot for 2026 opens at 1:30 PM IST on 21 July 2026 and closes at 1:30 PM IST on 23 July 2026. It is a 48-hour window.

Is there a cost to enter the ballot?

No. Entering the ballot is completely free. Do not pay anyone who claims they can guarantee a ballot selection.

How many places are available in this final ballot?

The UK allocated 3,000 total places for the India YPS in 2026. Most were distributed in the February ballot, and the remaining places are being allocated now.

How will I know if I am selected?

Successful applicants receive an email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing (by ~6 August 2026). If you do not receive an email, assume you were not selected.

Can I appeal if I am not selected?

No. Ballot results are final and cannot be appealed. However, you can enter future ballots if the scheme continues.

How long do I have to apply for the visa after selection?

You have 90 days from the date of the invitation email to submit your online application, pay fees, and submit biometrics.

Can I include my spouse or children on this visa?

No. Family members must apply through their own separate visa routes. The India YPS visa is for the principal applicant only.

What happens if my visa application is refused?

The £340 visa fee is non-refundable. Refusals usually happen because of incomplete documents, insufficient savings evidence, or failing the TB test requirement.

What You Should Do Right Now

• - Mark your calendar. The ballot opens 21 July at 1:30 PM IST. Set a reminder — you have only 48 hours.
• - Check your eligibility. Confirm you are aged 18–30, hold a qualifying degree, and have £2,530 in savings.
• - Get your documents ready. Have your passport scan, phone, and email handy before the ballot opens.
• - Get a TB test (if you do not have one). Visit a UKVI-approved clinic in your city — results take 1–2 days.
• - Do NOT pay anyone for ballot entry. The ballot is free. Anyone offering "guaranteed selection" is a scam.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes and is based on official UK government announcements available at the time of publication. Applicants should verify the latest information on the official GOV.UK website before applying.