UK Young Professionals Scheme for Indians: ballots left before 31
The UK's India Young Professionals Scheme lets Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Places go by ballot.
Your numbers
Common answers are filled in. Change the ones you know.
It only changes the order on your statement.
What waiting costs you
12 ballots left
12 ballots left before you turn 31
There are usually two ballots a year, in February and July, for 3,000 places in all. If you're picked, you have 90 days to apply. 2 ballots passed while it waited.
Your small stepPut reminders in your calendar for early February and early July, and check when your passport expires.
How we worked this out
- Age limit: 18 to 30 when you apply.
- Ballots left: two a year from 25 until you turn 31 = 12.
- Places: 3,000 in 2026, picked at random from everyone who enters.
- Being picked isn't the visa itself. You then apply and meet the other rules, like a degree and savings.
- Rules change. Check the official page before you plan anything.
- How much it matters to you: 7 out of 10. It only changes the order on your statement.
Sources
- UK India Young Professionals Scheme, via Business Standard (2026): The UK's India Young Professionals Scheme lets Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. In 2026 it had 3,000 places, given out in random ballots in February and July. If you're picked, you have 90 days to apply.
How it works
There are usually two ballots a year, in February and July. In 2026 there were 3,000 places in all.
You must be 18 to 30 when you apply, so each half year after 18 uses up one chance.
If you're picked, you have 90 days to apply. You still need to meet the other rules, like a degree and savings.
Sources
- UK India Young Professionals Scheme, via Business Standard (2026): Being picked isn't the visa. You still have to meet the other rules, like a degree and savings. Check GOV.UK.
Rules last checked: October 2026. They can change at any time, so check the official page before you plan anything.
Questions people ask
Can I enter after I turn 31?
No. The scheme is for ages 18 to 30 when you apply.
Where are the official rules?
On GOV.UK, on the India Young Professionals Scheme visa page.
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We show what waiting costs on your own plans. We never tell you what to buy or invest in. Rules and averages change, so check the official pages before you plan anything.