India Young Professionals Scheme 2024

The India Young Professionals Scheme was launched in early 2023. It became the best visa option for young Indians that want to live and work in the United Kingdom. The scheme is ideal as it allows young people to live and work for two years without job sponsorship. This allows time for you to find employers who will sponsor you on a longer term work visa. Applicants will need a bachelors degree as a minimum qualification and there is a limited number of places available through a ballot.

Why apply for the India Young professionals Scheme in 2024?

The UK is one of the most popular countries in the world to develop your career, with good job opportunities, high salaries and a great place to start a business. The India Professionals Scheme visa is ideal as it lets you work for UK based companies in order to prove yourself for a longer term visa, in which they can sponsor you. This gives you an advantage over applicants applying from overseas looking for job sponsorship.

Another reason to apply for this visa is the chance to explore four countries rich in history, culture and natural beauty. The visa allows you to live, visit or work in all four countries England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. From the vibrant streets of London to the historic charm of Edinburgh, each region has its own unique character and architecture. The UK is home to a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Tower of London, Stonehenge, Buckingham Palace, and the Roman Baths.

Ballot for India Young Professionals Scheme

Indian nationals who want to apply for this visa will have to enter a ballot where applicants are picked at random. In 2023, there were 3000 places made available and 2024 the exact number is still to be announced.

The ballot for the 2024 scheme is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. This article will be updated once the announcement is made.

Other popular work visas for Indians

If you are not eligible for the India Young Professionals Scheme but still want to work in the UK, there are more options available.

The four visas below are the most popular for Indians nationals who came to the UK in 2023. More than 253,000 Indians arrived last year by far the most common nationality. English is the primary language spoken in the UK, making it an attractive destination for individuals who are fluent in English. This language advantage can open up communication channels and facilitate career growth, especially in international businesses.

Can I study in the UK instead?

Yes, Indian nationals made up 27% of all international students in the UK, with over 133,237 visa granted in 2023. The UK is known for having some of the best universities in the world and has been a popular choice for international students for decades. UK universities offer a wide variety of courses giving students the flexibility to choose a degree that aligns with their interests and career goals. The UK allows international students to work part-time during their studies and full-time during holiday periods. After completing their studies, there are also options for post-study work visas, mainly the Graduate Visa.

Eligibility for India Young Professionals Scheme

In order to qualify for this visa you must meet several minimum requirements.

• Graduates who have achieved a bachelors degree and aged between 18-30 from India
• £2530 minimum of savings
• First time applicant
• Must not have been in the UK through the Youth Mobility Scheme visa

India Young Professionals Scheme Cost

You must have sufficient funds when applying for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa, the total minimum costs will vary depending on your circumstances.

Application Fee

£298

Healthcare

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) entitles you to use the NHS if you become unwell or have an accident while in the UK.

You have to pay the IHS even if you do not use the NHS or even if you have your own private health insurance, the cost is £470 per year.

If you are applying for a 2-year visa you will have to pay £470 each year, therefore you will have to pay a total of £940.

Sufficient Funds

You must have at least £2,530 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK, a bank statement will suffice.

The financial requirement is to show you have enough money for your living costs.

Documentation for India Young Professionals Scheme

You must bring relevant documentation that will require some preparation before arriving in the UK. Although, This will vary depending on your occupation, nationality and length of stay.

• A valid passport for the entirety of the visa
• Bank statement proving sufficient funds
• Evidence of your qualifications such as a bachelors degree certificate
• Test results for Tuberculosis (TB)

Criminal Record Certificate

If you are applying for certain jobs mostly in the public sector such as healthcare, welfare and education sectors. You will need to provide a criminal record certificate for any country in which, since the age of 18, you have been present for 12 months or more in the 10 years before the date of your application.

Identity

For most applicants you must prove your identity by booking an appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your current country. The appointment will include collecting your fingerprints, facial photograph and signature. The UK government website has a list of addresses for each eligible country.

Can I bring my family?

This visa does not allow any family members to join directly, they would have to apply for their own individual visa.

Can this lead to British citizenship?

This visa does not count towards becoming a British citizen, only work visas will contribute towards this. The India Young Professionals Scheme however does allow you to work and build relationships with employers who will sponsor you after the visa ends. This is an advantage over applicants who have never worked in the UK and are applying abroad.

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