UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025

Context

• Recently, the United Kingdom government has started the application process for the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025.
• The scheme offers residents and Indians the opportunity to live, study, travel, and work in both the UK and India for up to two years.
• Indian nationals aged between 18-30 must enter the ballot at –gov.uk– to be considered for one of the 3,000 spots available under the scheme.

Eligibility Criteria for the India Young Professionals Scheme

• Be an Indian national aged between 18 and 30.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or a higher qualification (equivalent to UK Regulated Qualifications Framework levels 6, 7, or 8).
• Have a minimum of £2,530 in savings to support themselves during their stay in the UK.
• Not have children under the age of 18 who live with them or are financially dependent on them.

Benefits of the India Young Professional Scheme visa

• The India Young Professionals Scheme visa offers significant flexibility. While in the UK, visa holders can:
• Work in most fields, including being self-employed (as long as they meet certain conditions regarding premises and employees).
• Study, though for some courses an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate may be required.
• Enter and exit the UK multiple times during the two-year visa validity period.

Some restrictions

• Despite its benefits, the visa comes with some limitations. For instance, recipients of the visa cannot:
• Extend their stay beyond the 24-month period.
• Access public funds or apply for most government benefits.
• Include family members in their visa application.
• Work as professional sportspersons, such as coaches.