India Young Professionals Scheme visa: ballot system
This guidance explains how to enter the ballot to apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa, and how the ballot system works.
You need to enter a ballot if you want to apply for a visa for the India Young Professionals Scheme.
The first 2024 India Young Professionals Scheme ballot has closed.
Details of the next ballot in 2024 will be published on this page.
Entering the ballot
You can enter the ballot if you’re an Indian citizen and you’re eligible for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa. Check you’re eligible before entering the ballot.
You will need to provide your:
- name
- date of birth
- passport details
- a scan or photo of your passport
- phone number
- email address
The successful entries will be picked at random. You will be sent the results by email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing.
It’s free to enter the ballot. You should only enter if you plan to apply for the visa, which costs £298, and are able to meet the financial, educational and other requirements.
There are 3,000 places available for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa in 2024. Most places will be made available in the February ballot. The remaining places will be made available in the July ballot.
You can only submit one entry per person for each ballot. Any further attempts to enter will not be counted.
Successful entries
If you’re successful in the ballot, you’ll be invited to apply for a visa.
You’ll have 90 days from the date of the email to apply online, pay the visa application fee, including the immigration health surcharge and provide your biometrics.
If you’re successful in the ballot but choose not to apply for the visa, you do not need to tell us.
Unsuccessful entries
The results of the ballot are final. You cannot appeal if you’re unsuccessful.
You can enter future ballots if you’re unsuccessful.
Last updated 22 February 2024 + show all updates
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Updated to say the first 2024 ballot has now closed.
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The ballot is now open. Applicants have until 2:30pm India Standard Time on 22 February 2024 to apply.
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Updated to say the next ballot will open on 20 February 2024.
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Updated as the ballot has now closed.
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The ballot is now open.
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Dates for the next ballot added.
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Added information about checking your junk/spam if you entered the ballot.
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Updated to say that the ballot is now closed.
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Added details about the ballot restarting because of technical issues.
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States that the ballot is open and links to the ballot entry page.
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First published.