Shillong, July 25: The UK government has launched the second ballot for the Young Professional Scheme, offering opportunities for Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30 years. The ballot began on Monday and will close on Thursday at 1.30 p.m., as confirmed by the British High Commission via a tweet.
Introduced this year, the scheme allows Indian citizens with a graduate or postgraduate qualification to live and work in the UK for up to two years. The visa permits candidates to enter and leave the UK at any time during the validity period.
A total of 3,000 places are available for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa in 2023. While a significant portion was allocated in the first ballot conducted in February, the remaining places will be assigned in the current July ballot.
As per IANS, successful applicants in the ballot must apply for their visa by the designated deadline, which is usually within a month after receiving an invitation to apply. Additionally, they are required to travel to the UK within six months of visa application.
Applicants should be aware that the scheme includes an application fee of 259 pounds, along with a healthcare surcharge of 940 pounds, and proof of having 2,530 pounds in personal savings.
To qualify for the Young Professionals Scheme visa, individuals must be Indian nationals or citizens aged 18 to 30, and demonstrate possessing 2,530 pounds in savings to support themselves while in the UK.