The United Kingdom has opened the second ballot of the India Young Professionals Scheme 2026 from July 21 for eligible Indian graduates.

Dreaming of the UK? India Young Professionals Scheme opens on July 21

The United Kingdom has opened the second ballot of the India Young Professionals Scheme 2026 from July 21 for eligible Indian graduates. The route gives selected applicants up to two years to live, work and study in the UK.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Only ballot-selected candidates can submit the visa application online later
  • Selected applicants get 90 days to upload documents and prove identity
  • Applicants need a degree and £2,530 held for 28 days

The United Kingdom has announced the second ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS) 2026, giving young Indian graduates another chance to live, work and study in the country for up to two years. The ballot opens on July 21, and only candidates selected through this process will be able to apply for the visa.

The scheme is part of the UK-India partnership aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties by allowing young professionals to gain international work experience while exploring education, business opportunities and cultural exchange. The UK government has advised interested applicants to check all eligibility conditions carefully before entering the ballot.

Unlike a regular visa application, candidates must first secure a place through the ballot. Those selected will receive an invitation email and will then have 90 days to complete the visa application process.

YOUR FIRST STEP IS THE BALLOT

Entry into the India Young Professionals Scheme starts with the ballot.

Only applicants selected through the ballot can submit a visa application. Successful candidates will receive an email invitation, after which they must complete the online application, prove their identity and upload all required documents within 90 days.

Once the visa is approved, applicants must travel to the United Kingdom within six months.

The UK government generally issues a decision within three weeks after applicants complete all formalities, although additional verification or interviews may extend the timeline.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR IYPS 2026?

Applicants must:

  • Be an Indian citizen or national.
  • Be between 18 and 30 years of age.
  • Be at least 18 years old on the intended travel date.
  • Hold a bachelor's degree or a higher qualification (or overseas equivalent).
  • Have at least £2,530 (Rs 3.26 lakh) in savings for at least 28 consecutive days.
  • Not have children below 18 years living with them or financially dependent on them.
  • Be selected through the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot.
  • Not have previously travelled to the UK under this scheme or the Youth Mobility Scheme.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THE UNITED KINGDOM?

Successful applicants can:

  • Live in the United Kingdom for up to 24 months.
  • Work in most professions.
  • Study, with an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate where required.

  • Become self-employed or start a business, provided:

    • Business premises are rented.
    • Equipment is worth less than £5,000.
    • No employees are hired.
  • Enter and leave the UK freely while the visa remains valid.

Applicants cannot:

  • Extend the visa.
  • Claim most public benefits.
  • Include family members in the application.
  • Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

HOW TO APPLY FOR IYPS 2026?

Follow these steps:

  • Check that you meet all eligibility conditions.
  • Enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot.
  • Wait for the invitation email if selected.
  • Prepare all required documents.
  • Apply online for the visa.
  • Prove your identity through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
  • Submit biometrics if required.
  • Travel to the UK within six months after visa approval.

DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR IYPS 2026

Applicants must provide:

  • Valid passport.
  • Proof of £2,530 savings.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher qualification certificate.
  • Written confirmation from the university confirming graduation.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (where applicable).
  • Police clearance certificate from India.
  • Certified English or Welsh translations for documents issued in other languages.

FEES, TIMELINE AND KEY DETAILS OF IYPS 2026

Applicants must pay:

  • Visa application fee: £340 (Rs 43,889)
  • Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,552

Applicants must also demonstrate savings of £2,530. The visa fee is non-refundable if the application is refused.

Direct link to apply for India Young Professionals Scheme 2026

Once selected through the ballot, candidates have 90 days to submit their application. Most visa decisions are made within three weeks after identity verification and document submission.

For young Indian graduates looking for international exposure, the India Young Professionals Scheme 2026 offers a structured pathway to build global work experience while living, working and studying in one of the world's leading economies.

Read more about India Young Professionals Scheme 2026

- Ends