Quick answer: the India Young Professionals Scheme visa lets Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 live and work in the UK for up to two years. You must first be picked in a free ballot, and there were 3,000 places in 2026. The visa costs £340, plus a £1,552 healthcare surcharge.
The India Young Professionals Scheme visa is one of the most sought-after UK visas for young Indians, and it is easy to see why. You do not need a job offer or an employer to sponsor you, and you can work in almost any job for two years. Because places are allocated by random draw, it is widely searched as the “UK lottery visa”. This guide covers eligibility, the ballot, costs, your rights in the UK and what to do when your two years end.
Who is eligible for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa?
To qualify, you must:
- Be an Indian citizen aged 18 to 30, and at least 18 on the day you travel
- Hold a bachelor's degree or higher (RQF level 6, 7 or 8), or an equivalent overseas qualification
- Have £2,530 in savings
- Have no children under 18 who live with you or who you support financially
- Never have held a Youth Mobility Scheme or India Young Professionals Scheme visa before
No employer sponsorship is needed. The GOV.UK eligibility list does not include an English test, but strong English will make finding work much easier.
How the ballot works
Entry is free. You give your name, date of birth, passport details, a passport scan, phone number and email, and winners are picked at random. Results are emailed within two weeks of the ballot closing, and only one entry per person counts in each ballot.
Of the 3,000 places in 2026, most were offered in February and the rest in a second ballot in July. The 2026 rounds ran from 17 to 19 February and from 21 to 23 July, each open for only 48 hours. All 2026 ballots have now closed, and GOV.UK publishes details of future ballots on its ballot page.
Since 2024 the ballots have run every February and July, with dates posted about a week before opening. On that pattern, expect the next round in February 2027 — sign up for email alerts on the GOV.UK ballot page so you do not miss the 48-hour window.
If you are not selected, you cannot appeal, but you can enter future ballots as long as you are still eligible. Only enter if you are ready to apply, because the fee, savings and documents all need to be in place within weeks.
Fees and costs
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ballot entry | Free |
| Visa application fee | £340 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (2 years) | £1,552 |
| Savings you must show | £2,530 |
These are the current GOV.UK figures. The application fee is not refunded if your application is rejected. Budget separately for your TB test, flights and your first weeks of rent.
How to apply after you are selected
Your invitation email starts a 90-day window in which you must apply online, prove your identity and provide your documents. Have these ready before the ballot even opens:
- Your passport
- Bank statements showing £2,530 held for 28 days in a row, with day 28 falling within 31 days of your application
- Your degree certificate
- A TB test certificate, which Indian applicants need
Decisions usually take about three weeks, and you must travel to the UK within six months of applying.
What you can and cannot do on this visa
You can work in most jobs and study, though some courses need an ATAS certificate. You can also be self-employed or set up a company, as long as your premises are rented, your equipment is worth no more than £5,000 and you have no employees. You can leave and come back to the UK at any time while the visa is valid.
You cannot extend the visa, claim most benefits, or work as a professional sportsperson or coach. Family members cannot be included on your application; they must apply separately. If your partner is also an eligible Indian citizen aged 18 to 30, they can enter the ballot themselves. If you turn 31 after your visa is issued, you can stay until it expires.
How to stay in the UK afterwards
The scheme does not lead to settlement and cannot be extended, but you can switch to another visa from inside the UK. The options include:
- Skilled Worker, if a licensed sponsor offers you a job. Most new applications need a salary of at least £41,700 or the job's going rate, whichever is higher. New entrants can qualify from £33,400.
- Student visa, if a licensed university or college offers you a place on a course such as a master's degree.
- Global Talent, for leaders and emerging leaders in fields such as digital technology, research and the arts.
- High Potential Individual, for graduates of eligible top-ranked universities.
- Innovator Founder, for starting an innovative, scalable business in the UK.
Start planning in your first year, not your last month. A sponsored job, a university place, an endorsement or a business plan all take time — and none of them can be arranged in the weeks before your visa expires.
Already in the UK and thinking about what comes after your two years? Check where you stand on Global Talent in about three minutes, free.
Check my eligibilityThinking about a UK master's instead? Our partner Transitley helps you find the right course and university.
Explore study optionsFrequently asked questions
Is the India Young Professionals Scheme the same as the UK lottery visa?
Yes. It is nicknamed the lottery visa because places are allocated by random ballot.
When is the next India Young Professionals Scheme ballot?
All 2026 ballots have closed. Past rounds point to February 2027, so watch the GOV.UK ballot page for official dates.
Do I need a job offer?
No employer sponsorship is required. You can arrive and look for work, or set up a small business within the self-employment limits.
Can I bring my wife or husband?
Not on your application. Family members must apply separately.
Can I extend the visa?
No, but you can switch to another visa, such as Skilled Worker or Student, from inside the UK.