The UK government has officially confirmed the opening dates for the first India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS) visa ballot for 2026. According to the latest update from UK Visas and Immigration, the ballot will open at 2:30 PM IST on February 17, 2026, and close at 2:30 PM IST on February 19, 2026.
The India Young Professionals Scheme allows Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 years to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years. A total of 3,000 visa slots are available in 2026, with most places allocated in the February ballot. A second and final ballot is expected later in the year, typically around July.
The India Young Professionals Scheme visa is part of a bilateral agreement between India and the UK, offering young professionals an opportunity to gain international work experience without employer sponsorship.
Successful applicants can:
Live in the UK for up to 24 months
Work in most jobs
Study (some courses require ATAS clearance)
Be self-employed under limited conditions
Ballot Opens: 17 February 2026, 2:30 PM IST
Ballot Closes: 19 February 2026, 2:30 PM IST
Result Declaration: Within 2 weeks of ballot closing
Where to Apply: Official GOV.UK website only
Ballot Fee: Free
⚠️ Despite online speculation about earlier dates, the UK government has clearly confirmed the February 17–19 window.
To enter the ballot and apply for the visa, applicants must:
Be an Indian citizen
Be aged between 18 and 30 years
Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
Have at least £2,530 in personal savings
Hold a valid passport
Only one ballot entry per person is allowed. Multiple entries will be rejected.
Enter the ballot during the official window
Provide basic details:
Name & date of birth
Passport details
Passport scan/photo
Email & phone number
Applications are selected randomly
Selected candidates receive an email invitation
Apply for the visa within 90 days
If unsuccessful, candidates cannot appeal, but may enter future ballots if eligible.
If selected in the ballot, applicants must within 90 days:
Apply online
Pay visa and health fees
Submit biometric details
Upload required documents
Applicants must travel to the UK within 6 months of visa approval.
Applicants must pay:
Visa Application Fee: £319
Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,552
Savings Requirement: £2,530 (proof required)
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
Visa validity: Up to 24 months
Multiple entry allowed
Turning 31 after visa issuance does not affect validity
Visa cannot be extended
Work in most sectors
Study (with restrictions)
Be self-employed (no employees, equipment under £5,000)
Extend your visa
Access public funds
Bring dependents
Work as a professional sportsperson
The India Young Professionals Scheme 2026 offers a rare, highly competitive opportunity for Indian youth to work and live in the UK without employer sponsorship. With clear dates now officially confirmed, eligible applicants should prepare documents and funds well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.