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Young Professionals Scheme for Indian Nationals Forthcoming
United Kingdom
At a Glance
- The UK and Indian governments have committed to creating a new visa program, the Young Professionals Scheme, which would be available to graduates aged 18-30 or applicants in this age group with comparable professional experience.
- Successful applicants will receive a two-year permit which allows work and stay in the host country.
- Though this program is innovative, the impact of it is low in the United Kingdom, considering the country already receives 53,000 Indian students per year, most of whom will qualify to remain for two years after completing their degree under the Graduate route, which is being launched July 1, 2021.
- The Indian government has not confirmed the details of this program.
The situation
The UK and Indian governments have signed a new Migration and Mobility Partnership, which includes a commitment to create a Young Professionals Scheme which would allow graduates aged 18-30 or applicants in this age group with comparable professional experience to obtain a two-year visa. The UK government has not yet confirmed the implementation date of this program.
The Indian government has not confirmed the details of the scheme, therefore this alert focuses on the impact of the program in the United Kingdom.
A closer look
Key details of the scheme include the following:
| TOPIC | DETAILS | IMPACT |
| Eligibility requirements | The permit is available to UK and Indian nationals between 18 and 30 years old; with a diploma/degree from a higher education program of at least three years’ duration, or a comparable level of professional experience; with proficiency in the language of the host country. | The Young Professionals Scheme will open access to the United Kingdom for young Indian nationals within the quota without the need for them to study in the United Kingdom or find an offer of work sponsorship. |
| Permit details |
Successful applicants will receive a two-year permit which allows work and stay in the host country. Applicants must leave or change status upon permit expiry. |
The impact of this program is low in the United Kingdom, considering the United Kingdom already receives 53,000 Indian students per year, most of whom will qualify to remain for two years after completing their degree under the Graduate route, which is being launched July 1, 2021. |
| Quota |
The United Kingdom will cap applications under the scheme to 3,000 visas. |
The cap in the United Kingdom is considerably lower than the 30,000 visas annually available under the Youth Mobility Scheme for Australian nationals. |
Background
- UK immigration goals. This scheme fits a broader UK policy of attracting and retaining young foreign talent. It also fits the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit goal of looking to countries with historical ties to the United Kingdom to source much-needed qualified labor, rather than seeking such talent from the European Union.
- Graduate route forthcoming. Through the UK Graduate route (opening July 1, 2021), Student Permit holders can change status to a two-year Graduate permit to live, work and study in the United Kingdom without a UK licensed work sponsor.
Looking ahead
We will publish information on the effect of this program in India when the Indian government releases more information.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].