The UK Home Office has announced the details for the upcoming second and final ballot of 2024 under the India Young Professional Scheme. This initiative aims to facilitate young Indian nationals to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom for up to 24 months.
Ballot Period and Eligibility Criteria
The ballot period opens on July 16, 2024, at 13:30 Indian Standard Time and closes on July 18, 2024, at the same time. Interested applicants must be aged between 18-30 years old or turning 18 by the travel date, possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, have savings of GBP 2,530, and not have any dependent children under 18.
Allocation and Application Process
In 2024, the UK has allocated 3,000 places under this scheme, with the majority filled during the February 2024 ballot. The upcoming July ballot will distribute the remaining places. Entry into the ballot is free, and successful applicants will need to pay GBP 298 upon applying for the visa. Applicants who are not selected can reapply in future ballots.
Streamlined Pathway and Processing Time
The India Young Professional Scheme offers a streamlined pathway for eligible candidates, ensuring quicker processing times compared to other visa schemes.
Application Requirements and Process
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must:
- Be Indian nationals or citizens aged between 18 and 30 years old.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6, 7, or 8).
- Have savings of at least £2,530 to support themselves in the UK.
- Not have any dependent children under the age of 18 living with them or for whom they are financially responsible.
- Application Steps:
- Check eligibility and enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot during the specified dates.
- If selected, receive an invitation to apply for the visa via email within two weeks of the ballot closing.
- Gather necessary documents including passport, bank statements, educational proof, TB test results (if applicable), and a police clearance certificate from India.
- Submit the visa application promptly after receiving the invitation to apply.
Partnership and Immigration Enhancements
Part of the UK-India Mobility and Migration Partnership signed in May 2021, this scheme underscores efforts to enhance migration arrangements and cooperation on immigration matters between both countries.
Comparison with India’s Employment Visa – E 1 Program
Unlike the UK’s ballot system, India’s Employment Visa – E 1 program allows eligible individuals to apply throughout the year, offering a different approach to facilitating work opportunities in the UK.
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