The United Kingdom has officially opened the second and final ballot of the India Young Professionals Scheme visa for 2025, giving eligible Indian citizens a last shot this year at securing a chance of 2-year stay and work in the UK.

This visa is part of a bilateral agreement between the UK and India and offers a limited number of slots to Indian graduates aged 18 to 30. It’s entirely free to enter the ballot, but you need to act fast.

What Is the India Young Professionals Scheme Visa?

The India Young Professionals Scheme visa allows successful applicants—Indian citizens aged 18-30—to experience life in the UK. Whether it’s pursuing a career, furthering your studies, or exploring a new culture, the visa provides flexible opportunities for two years.

How the Ballot System Works

• The ballot is free to enter.
• It only takes a few minutes to submit your details online.
• You must be an eligible Indian citizen to participate.
• 3,000 visas are available for 2025. Most were allocated earlier; the remaining places are up for grabs in this final round.

Applicants are chosen at random once the ballot closes. If picked, you’ll receive an invitation email with next steps.

Key Dates for the Ballot

• Opens: 1:30 PM IST on 22 July 2025
• Closes: 1:30 PM IST on 24 July 2025

You can submit your entry any time during this 48-hour window.

Eligibility at a Glance

Before entering, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

• Be an Indian citizen
• Be aged 18 to 30
• Have a graduate-level qualification
• Have £2,530 in savings to support yourself
• Not have dependent children
• Not have previously held this visa
• Valid passport

Check your full eligibility before entering via the UK government website.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Enter the Ballot

1. Gather Your Documents

• Passport (scan or photo)
• Phone number
• Email address

2. Prepare Your Details

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Passport information

3. Submit Your Ballot Entry

• When: Between 1:30pm IST 22 July and 1:30pm IST 24 July 2025
• Where: Official ballot link on the UK government website

4. Wait for Results

• Winners chosen at random
• Results sent by email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing

• It’s free to enter but you must be serious about applying if selected.
• Important: Only one entry per person is allowed. Duplicate entries will be rejected.

What Happens If You’re Selected?

• Winners are chosen at random
• You’ll get an email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing
• You’ll have 90 days to:
  • Apply online for the visa
  • Pay the application fee (£319) and immigration health surcharge
  • Submit biometric information (photo and fingerprints)
• If you don’t wish to proceed, simply let your invitation lapse, no need to notify the authorities.

Unsuccessful Entries

If you don’t make it, don’t despair. The ballot outcome is final and non-appealable. However, you can try again next year as long as you remain eligible.

• There’s no appeal process
• But you can apply again in future ballots, assuming you’re still eligible

Key Tips and Internal Resources

• Apply only once, multiple entries are disqualified.
• Only enter if you can meet all financial and eligibility requirements.
• Check current updates and eligibility criteria on the UK government’s official Young Professionals Visa page for the latest information.
• For details about living, working, or studying in the UK, visit our travel guides on UK immigration, student life in the UK, and cost-of-living tips for newcomers.

Why This Visa Matters

This is a unique pathway to live, work, or study in the UK with no employer sponsorship required. For many, it’s a stepping stone to longer-term residency or valuable global work experience.

Bottom line: If you’re a young, qualified Indian graduate dreaming of life in the UK, this is your last chance in 2025. Don’t miss the 48-hour window. Enter the ballot now and keep your documents ready.