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Visa Application: The UK government has given great news and started a great scheme for Indian youth. Under the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme 2025, the UK government has allowed 3,000 Indian citizens to live, work and study in the UK for two years. The application process for this scheme will be through a ballot (lottery system), which is completely free. The ballot application will open on gov.uk from 18 February 2025 at 2:30 pm (IST) to 20 February 2025 at 2:30 pm (IST). Selected candidates will receive an invitation to apply for a visa, after which they can stay in the UK for two years.

What is the visa scheme?

The UK-India Young Professionals Scheme is part of a bilateral agreement between the UK and India, under which 3,000 Indian youth are allowed to live, work and study in the UK for two years every year. There is no need to have a job offer (sponsor) to apply for this visa. In the year 2023, visas were issued to 2,100 Indian citizens under this scheme. This year 3,000 people are going to get this opportunity.

Eligibility criteria for Indian citizens

• The age should be between 18 and 30 years.
• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Must have savings of at least £2,530 (approximately ₹2,70,824).
• This amount should remain continuously in the bank account for 28 days before application.
• The applicant should not have any dependents (children below 18 years of age).
• People who are already on Youth Mobility Scheme visas cannot apply.
• The applicant must have graduation or higher qualification in any field.

For UK citizens

• They must have a UK Bachelor's degree or higher.
• Have at least ₹2,50,000 (up to 30 days) in a bank account before applying.
• It will be mandatory to meet all other eligibility conditions.

Application Process

To apply, one has to participate in the ballot by visiting the official website of gov.uk [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk). The ballot will be free, in which candidates have to give their name, date of birth, passport details (including scanned copy), phone number and email ID.

Ballot Deadline

• The application will open from 18 February 2025 (2:30 PM IST) to 20 February 2025 (2:30 PM IST).
• Selected candidates will be notified by email within two weeks of ballot closing.
• The ballot will be completely random (lottery system).
• Only those candidates who will be selected on the ballot will get a chance to apply for the visa.

What to do after being selected on the ballot?

– Selected candidates will receive an email informing them that they can apply for a visa.

– Complete the online visa application within 90 days of receiving the email.

– Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) with the visa application.

– Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

After getting the visa

– After getting the visa, the candidates can stay in the UK for two years.

– During this time they can do any job, study or travel.

– This visa cannot be renewed for more than two years.

– After completion of two years, it will be mandatory for the candidate to return to India.