United Kingdom: Second Ballot for India Young Professional Scheme to Open July 25

• Ballot period. The second ballot will open on July 25, 2023 (at 13:30 India Standard Time) and will close on July 27, 2023 (at 13:30 India Standard Time).
• 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 who they live with or support. Individuals selected by ballot can then apply under the scheme within 30 days of being notified of selection.
• Costs. Entering the ballot is free but it costs GBP 259 to apply under the Scheme. Those who are not chosen in the first ballot can submit another application in future ballots. 
• Guidance statements. As under the previous ballot, the published guidance adds further context to the scheme and confirms it is reciprocated by India, whereby British nationals will also be able to apply to enter India to live, work or study.

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.

• Young Professional Scheme. In 2023, the United Kingdom is making 3,000 places available under the scheme, with the majority of spots already having been allocated in the February ballot. The remaining 2023 places will be issued in this July ballot.
• United Kingdom- India mobility. The Young Professional 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. 
• Reciprocal Scheme. In March 2023, the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom announced the opening of the Young Professional Scheme, under which successful applicants can live and work in India for two years under a multiple-entry visa.
• Other mobility programs. The United Kingdom has other Young Professional Schemes, including for travelers from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

This Scheme is part of the UK-India negotiations towards a trade deal which is ongoing. The scheme is expected to continue in the immediate future, with further ballots to be announced from year to year. We will track and report future developments, including if the government of India opens a second ballot in 2023.