Final Ballot for 2025 UK Young Professionals Visa Opens on 22 July

If you’re an Indian national aged 18 to 30 dreaming of working in the UK, here’s your last shot for 2025. The UK government is opening the second and final ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa at 1:30 PM IST on 22 July 2025, closing exactly 48 hours later at 1:30 PM IST on 24 July 2025.

This round will fill the remaining spots under the UK-India youth mobility partnership. It is worth mentioning here that applicants already claimed most of the 3,000 visas in the February ballot, so if you missed that round, now’s your chance.

What Is the India Young Professionals Scheme?

This visa program is part of a reciprocal agreement between India and the UK, designed to promote cultural exchange and mobility between young professionals.

Here’s what it offers:

• A 2-year visa to live, work, and travel freely within the UK
• No employer sponsorship required
• A unique opportunity to gain international work experience

In return, the UK grants the same opportunity to young British nationals in India.

Who’s Eligible?

To enter the ballot, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Be an Indian citizen aged 18 to 30
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (UK RQF Level 6 or equivalent overseas qualification)
• Have at least £2,530 in savings, held for 28 consecutive days before applying
• No dependent children under 18 living with or financially reliant on them
• Must not have held a Youth Mobility or India Young Professionals Scheme visa before

Only eligible applicants should apply. Ineligible entries or duplicates will be disqualified.

How to Enter the Ballot

The ballot is free to enter and only takes a few minutes.

You’ll need to submit:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Passport details and a clear scan or photo
• A valid email address and phone number

That’s it.

The UK government selects entries at random and notifies winners by email within two weeks after the ballot closes. If you’re not selected, you can’t appeal against the decision.

If You’re Selected: What Happens Next?

Successful applicants must:

• Apply for the visa within 90 days
• Pay a £319 visa fee
• Pay the immigration health surcharge (covers NHS access)
• Book and attend a biometric appointment (photo and fingerprints)

If you don’t complete the application in time, your place will be lost.

For full details, updates, and the ballot entry form, visit the UK Home Office official website.

How Many Spots Are Left?

The UK originally offered 3,000 visas for Indian citizens in 2025. Most were taken in the first round in February. This final ballot will allocate the remaining few hundred slots.

Important:

• Only one entry per person is allowed
• Multiple entries will be disqualified

Why This Visa Matters

For young Indians looking to explore life and work in the UK without long-term immigration hurdles, this is one of the most flexible visa pathways available. It doesn’t tie you to a specific job or employer, and the work you take up doesn’t need to be related to your degree.

It’s a chance to build global experience, travel across the UK and Europe, and expand your personal and professional horizons.

Useful Insights for Travellers

• Prepare Financial Documents Early: Make sure your bank statement shows the required funds for the 28-day window.
• Stay Alert: Set reminders for the ballot opening and closing dates.
• Check Your Degree’s Validity: Your qualification needs to match the required standards for UK equivalence.
• Monitor Your Email: If you win the ballot, swift action is required to complete the visa process in time.
• Explore More Opportunities: Curious about youth mobility and education visas? Check related visa paths for Indian graduates and young professionals.

Final Thoughts

The India Young Professionals Scheme is a unique chance to experience the UK’s culture and work environment. Make your application count, and don’t miss these final dates if you dream of building your career overseas.

For further details and official updates, always refer to the UK Home Office website. If you’re planning your journey, explore our comprehensive guides on UK visas and moving abroad for a smooth start.