Details about the migration scheme
The Home Office has published a guidance webpage which announces the ‘India Young Professionals Scheme visa’ (“IYPS“) and confirms that a ballot will open on 28February 2023 at 2:30pm India Standard Time and will close at the same time on 2 March 2023. Eligible applicants can enter at any time while the ballot is open. It is not entirely clear at the time of writing whether the IYPS is a rebranding of part of the Youth Mobility Scheme or a separate scheme.
An eligible applicant will be an Indian citizen between 18 and 30 years old, have a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above (or overseas equivalent) and have £2,350 in savings to support themselves in the UK. In addition, the eligible applicant must not have any children under the age of 18 who live with them or who they are financially responsible for. Although in theory the minimum age to apply is 18, the bachelor’s degree and savings requirement are going to limit the number of applicants under 21 that can apply. Nevertheless, those that are eligible and successful will be a welcome addition to help plug some of the labour shortages being experienced in the UK.
The UK government has set a 3,000 annual limit on places for Indian nationals and 2,400 places will be available in this February ballot. The eligible applicant must enter the ballot online with their personal details such as their name, date of birth, email address, phone number and passport numbers.
A copy of their passport will also be required but no fee will be charged to enter.