The British government has opened its second ballot under the UK-India Young Professional Scheme for Indians aged between 18 and 30 years with graduate-level qualifications for visas to the UK.
The ballot, which closes on July 27, offers eligible young Indians the opportunity to live, work or study in the UK for up to two years.
There are a total of 3,000 places available under the scheme for the year 2023 and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) said that most places were given in the first ballot which took place in February. The remaining places will be chosen at random from this month’s ballot.
While it’s free to enter the ballot, applicants are told they must only enter if they plan to apply for the visa, which costs £259, and are able to meet the financial, educational and other requirements. Additional costs involved include a £940 healthcare surcharge and proof that the applicant has £2,530 in personal savings.
Under the reciprocal arrangement signed off by Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Narendra Modi at the G20 summit in Indonesia last November, British nationals are also be offered similar opportunities to live and work in India.
The launch of the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship and the UK’s wider commitment to forging stronger links with the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen both Indian and British economies. It was also seen as an effort to propel the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, which completed its 11th round last week.
On the UK end, British nationals keen to travel to India have been invited by the Indian High Commission in London to apply to the Young Professionals Scheme under a new visa application process detailed on its website.
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“The UK encourages young professionals from both countries to experience each other’s nations and participate in this cultural exchange,” the UK Home Office said.
