United Kingdom: India Young Professional Scheme Ballot to Open February 20, 2024

• Ballot period. The Home Office has confirmed that the next ballot for the India Young Professional Scheme will open at 14:30 Indian Standard Time on February 20, 2024 and will close at 14:30 Indian Standard time on February 22, 2024.
• Program details. The ballot is open to Indian nationals between 18-30 years old, or those who would be 18 at the date of travel under the scheme, who have a bachelor’s degree level or above, savings of at least GBP 2,530 to support themselves and who have no children below 18 with whom they live or support. Individuals selected by ballot then have 90 days to apply for a visa under the scheme, pay the visa application fee (including immigration health surcharge) and provide biometrics.
• Quota. In 2024, there will be 3,000 places for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa. Most places will be offered in the upcoming February 2024 ballot, with the remaining places to be offered in a July 2024 ballot.
• Costs. Entering the ballot is free but it costs GBP 298 to apply under the Scheme. Those who are not chosen in the upcoming ballot can submit another application in future ballots.
• Reciprocal arrangement. At this time, there is no official announcement of a February 2024 ballot from the government of India; however, the government usually announces ballots closer to the date they will open. Fragomen will report on relevant developments.

When the application window opens, Interested applicants will be able to submit a ballot for the program online.

The scheme provides a specific entry pathway for qualifying Indian nationals with a relatively short processing time as compared to other schemes.

• Previous ballots. In 2023, the United Kingdom held India Young Professionals Scheme ballots in March and July. The country also holds ballots for its Youth Mobility Scheme for nationals from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. In early 2024, it held its first 2024 ballot for nationals from Taiwan.
• UK-India migration partnership. The Young Professionals Scheme is part of the UK-India Mobility and Migration Partnership, signed in May 2021, which includes commitments to enhance migration arrangements and efforts to strengthen cooperation around immigration violations between India and the United Kingdom.

This could be the start of further immigration agreements between the United Kingdom and India and the foundation for future trade agreements. We will track and report future developments.