Visa Types

UK Young Professionals Scheme Ballot

UK Young Professionals Scheme Ballot: Complete Guide for Indian Applicants (2025–2026)

Name: UK Young Professionals Scheme Ballot - Study Square Telangana
Author: studysquare.hyderabad

What is the UK–India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS)?

The India Young Professionals Scheme lets eligible Indian citizens aged 18–30 live, work and study in the UK for up to 24 months. To apply for this visa you must first be selected via an official ballot. If you receive a selection email, you’ll then have 90 days to submit your full visa application and must travel to the UK within 6 months of applying.

Quick facts – Duration: up to 24 months
– Age: 18–30 (at time of application)
– Nationality: Indian citizen
– Places (2025): 3,000 total across two ballots
– Ballot entry: free
– Typical decision time after full application: ~3 weeks

2025 Status & What’s Next for 2026

The February 2025 ballot allocated most places.
The July 22–24, 2025 ballot was the second and final round for 2025.
As of July 24, 2025, the UK Home Office confirms all 2025 ballots are closed.
2026 ballot details will be published on the official GOV.UK page closer to the dates.

Action tip: If you missed 2025, start preparing now—documents, finances, and readiness for the next ballot window.

Eligibility Checklist

You can enter the uk young professionals scheme ballot if you: 1. Are an Indian citizen aged 18–30.
2. Hold an eligible qualification (e.g., bachelor’s degree or higher).
3. Have at least £2,530 in savings (maintained as per UKVI rules).
4. Plan to apply for the visa if selected.

No job offer is required to enter the ballot or apply for the visa.

Fees & Financials (Indicative)

Visa application fee: £319.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,552 total (for a 2‑year stay).
Maintenance funds: £2,530 in personal savings.
Other costs (variable): TB test (if applicable), biometric fees (if any), travel & settlement costs in the UK.

The ballot itself is free. Fees are only paid after selection when you submit your full visa application.

How the Ballot Works (Step‑by‑Step)

Watch for official dates (usually Feb and Jul).
When open, enter online by submitting your name, DOB, passport details, a scan/photo of passport, phone, and email. Only one entry per person is counted per ballot.
Selections are random. You’ll receive an email result within ~2 weeks after the ballot closes.
If selected, you’ll be invited to apply for the visa within 90 days, pay the visa fee & IHS, submit biometrics, and upload documents.
After a complete application, UKVI typically gives a decision in ~3 weeks.
Travel to the UK within 6 months of applying.

Documents You’ll Typically Need

Passport (valid as per UKVI norms)
Degree certificate / eligible qualification
Bank statements proving £2,530 funds
TB test certificate (if required for your country of residence)
Email invitation from the ballot (proof of selection)
Biometrics (photo & fingerprints) when prompted

What You Can & Cannot Do on YPS

You can: – Work in most jobs, including full‑time or part‑time roles
– Study (some courses need an ATAS certificate)
– Be self‑employed within limits (rented premises, equipment ≤ £5,000, no employees)

You cannot: – Extend this visa beyond 24 months
– Access most public funds/benefits
– Include dependants on the same application (each person applies separately)
– Work as a professional sportsperson

Timeline Example

Ballot closes: 24 July 2025
Result email: by ~7 August 2025
Application window: 90 days from selection email
Decision: usually within ~3 weeks of a complete application
Latest travel: within 6 months of the application date

Pro Tips to Get Ready for the Next Ballot

Set alerts for ballot announcements (Feb & Jul windows are common).
Prepare documents early—degree proof, funds, TB test, passport scans.
Email hygiene: check spam/junk for selection emails.
Financial planning: IHS + visa fees + initial rent/deposit in the UK.
Career prep: build a UK‑style CV, LinkedIn profile, and research job boards.
English skills: while YPS doesn’t list a formal English‑test requirement, strong English boosts employability. Consider a short course (IELTS/PTE) to improve interviews and workplace readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the ballot paid?
No. Ballot entry is free. You pay fees only if selected and you submit the full application.

Can I enter the ballot multiple times?
Only one entry per person per ballot is counted. You may try again in the next ballot if unsuccessful and still eligible.

Do I need a job offer?
No job offer is required to enter or to apply once selected.

What if I turn 31 during the process?
If your visa is issued before you turn 31, you can stay for the full visa validity (up to 24 months).

Can my spouse/children come with me?
YPS does not allow dependants on the same application. They must apply under another route if eligible.

What happens after 24 months?
YPS cannot be extended. Many switch to other routes (e.g., Skilled Worker) if they qualify.

Work with a Trusted Hyderabad Abroad Consultants

If you want end‑to‑end help—ballot entry, documents, visa filing, IHS fee planning, CV & interview coaching—connect with Study Square Telangana.

✅ Free counselling for YPS aspirants
✅ IELTS/PTE classes to sharpen communication & interview skills
✅ Profile building (CV, LinkedIn, cover letters)
✅ Visa guidance & post‑landing checklist

Book your free counselling now:
👉 Study Square Telangana – Book an Appointment
👉 Study Square Telangana – IELTS/PTE Coaching in Hyderabad
👉 Study Square Telangana – Free Study Abroad Counselling

Quick Reference

Ballot status (2025): Closed
Next update: Watch GOV.UK for 2026 dates
Visa fee: £319
IHS: £1,552 (2 years total)
Funds: £2,530
Age: 18–30
Places (2025): 3,000
Decision time after applying: ~3 weeks

Disclaimer

Information is based on official guidance and recent updates. Always check the official GOV.UK pages before you act, as fees, rules and dates can change.