The UK India Youth Mobility Visa 2026, officially known as the India Young Professionals Scheme visa, is now open for applications via a ballot system. This special route allows young Indian citizens to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years — without needing a job offer or employer sponsorship.
What Is the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa?
The India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) visa is part of a bilateral Youth Mobility Partnership between the United Kingdom and India. It enables eligible Indian nationals to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months for cultural exchange and professional development.
Official UK Government Overview:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa
2026 Ballot Dates (UK-India Youth Mobility)
For 2026, the UK Home Office has announced the first round of the ballot:
- Ballot Opens: 17 February 2026 at 2:30 PM IST
- Ballot Closes: 19 February 2026 at 2:30 PM IST
This 48-hour window is when eligible applicants can submit their entry into the ballot.
There are 3,000 places available in this first ballot, with more likely in future rounds later in the year.
Recent blog: UK India Youth Mobility Visa 2026: Complete Guide to the Ballot Process
How the Ballot System Works
Because demand is much higher than the number of available visas, the UK government uses a random ballot (lottery) system:
- Enter the Ballot: Eligible candidates submit personal details — name, date of birth, passport info, email, phone, and passport photo — during the ballot period. Entry is free.
- Random Selection: Entries are randomly chosen. If selected, you receive an email invitation to apply for the visa.
- Apply for the Visa: Once selected, you have 90 days to apply online, submit required documents, pay the fees, and complete biometrics.
🔗 Official Ballot Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa-ballot-system
Eligibility Requirements (Official)
To enter the ballot and potentially apply for this visa, you must meet the following criteria:
✔ Indian citizen aged 18–30 (must be at least 18 by the date you plan to travel).
✔ A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification recognised at the UK level.
✔ At least £2,530 in savings to support yourself initially in the UK.
✔ No dependent children under 18 living with you or financially reliant on you.
🔗 Full eligibility details (official):
https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/eligibility
Required Documents
When applying for the visa after ballot selection, the UK government requires the following:
✔ Valid Indian passport
✔ Proof of savings (£2,530 held for at least 28 days)
✔ Proof of qualifications (degree certificates)
✔ Tuberculosis test result (if required)
✔ Police/criminal record certificate (if requested)
🔗 Official document requirements page:
https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/documents-you-must-provide
Costs & Fees to Expect
Once selected in the ballot, you’ll need to pay:
- Visa Application Fee: £319 (approx)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Paid with the application — this grants access to the UK’s National Health Service.
- Proof of Maintenance Funds: £2,530 must be shown, but it is not a payment — it’s proof you can support yourself.
What You Can Do in the UK
Once your visa is approved, you can:
✅ Live in the UK for up to 24 months
✅ Work in most jobs without sponsorship
✅ Study or take courses during your stay
✅ Travel freely within and outside the UK while your visa is valid
Why This Scheme Matters
👉 International Exposure: Gain firsthand work experience in one of the world’s most diverse job markets.
👉 Build Professional Networks: Working in the UK helps expand your career opportunities globally.
👉 No Job Offer Needed: Unlike most work visas, you don’t need an employer sponsor to apply.
📍 Official Resources (Useful Links)
🔗 India Young Professionals Scheme visa – official overview:
https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa
🔗 Eligibility requirements page (official):
https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/eligibility
🔗 Ballot guidance & official process:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa-ballot-system
🔗 Official application steps:
https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/apply
Final Thoughts
The UK India Youth Mobility visa 2026 (India Young Professionals Scheme) is one of the most exciting international opportunities available for young Indians today. By offering the chance to live, work, and grow professionally in the United Kingdom, this visa can transform careers, broaden worldviews, and create lifelong global connections — all without needing employer sponsorship.
If you’re eligible, mark your calendar for the 17–19 February 2026 ballot window, prepare your documents in advance, and give yourself the best possible chance to enter this life-changing programme.
1. What is the UK India Youth Mobility Visa 2026?
The UK India Youth Mobility Visa 2026 is officially called the India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS). It allows eligible Indian citizens aged 18–30 to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years without employer sponsorship.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa
2. When did the UK India Youth Mobility Visa 2026 ballot open?
The 2026 ballot opened on 17 February 2026 at 2:30 PM IST and closed on 19 February 2026 at 2:30 PM IST. Applicants could enter during this 48-hour window.
Official ballot guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa-ballot-system
3. How many visas are available under the India Young Professionals Scheme 2026?
For 2026, the UK government announced 3,000 places under the scheme. If demand exceeds supply, candidates are selected through a random ballot system.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa-ballot-system
4. Is the UK India Youth Mobility Visa ballot free?
Yes, entering the ballot is completely free of charge. You only pay visa fees if you are selected and invited to apply.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa-ballot-system
5. What are the eligibility requirements for the Youth Mobility Visa UK India 2026?
To qualify, you must:
- Be an Indian citizen
- Be aged 18–30
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Have at least £2,530 in savings
- Not have dependent children
Official eligibility details:
https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/eligibility
6. Do I need a job offer to apply?
No, you do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship to apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa
7. How long can I stay in the UK under this visa?
Successful applicants can stay in the UK for up to 24 months (2 years).
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa
8. How much does the UK India Youth Mobility Visa cost?
If selected in the ballot, you must pay:
- Visa application fee: £319
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Show proof of £2,530 savings
Official fee details:
https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/apply
9. What happens after I am selected in the ballot?
If selected, you will receive an email invitation and have 90 days to submit your visa application, pay fees, upload documents, and complete biometrics.
Official source:
https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/apply
10. Can I bring family members with me?
No, you cannot apply if you have dependent children under 18 living with you or financially dependent on you.
Official source:
https://www.gov.uk/india-young-professionals-scheme-visa/eligibility