UK special visa ballot for Indians opens July 21
The UK government has announced that the second and final ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) visa will open on July 21, 2026
The UK government has announced that the second and final ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) visa will open on July 21, 2026, giving eligible Indian citizens another opportunity to apply for the two-year visa programme. According to an update published by the UK government on July 14, the ballot will remain open until July 23, 2026, and successful applicants will be chosen through a random selection process. The ballot will open at 1:30 pm India Standard Time (IST) on July 21 and close at 1:30 pm IST on July 23. Eligible applicants can submit their entry at any time during this period through the official ballot link, which will be made available on the UK government's India Young Professionals Scheme page.
The India Young Professionals Scheme allows eligible Indian nationals to live, work and study in the UK for up to two years. Entering the ballot is mandatory for anyone wishing to apply under the scheme.ALSO READ: UK tax rule weakens FCNR deposit appeal for wealthy NRIs Who can enter the ballot? Indian citizens who meet the eligibility requirements for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa can enter the ballot. Before applying, candidates must ensure they qualify for the visa. Applicants will need to provide: Their name Date of birth Passport details A scan or photograph of their passport Phone number Email address The UK government said entry to the ballot is free, but applicants should enter only if they intend to apply for the visa, which now carries an application fee of £340, and meet all eligibility requirements, including holding an eligible qualification and having sufficient funds to support themselves.
Limited places available The UK has allocated 3,000 places under the India Young Professionals Scheme for 2026. The government said most of these places were offered during the first ballot held in February, while the remaining places will be allocated through the July ballot.ALSO READ: South Korea launches digital nomad visa with easier rules, longer stayEach person can submit only one entry per ballot. Any additional entries by the same applicant will not be counted. What happens after selection? Applicants selected in the ballot will receive an email within two weeks after the ballot closes, inviting them to submit a visa application. Successful candidates will have 90 days from the date of the invitation email to: Apply online for the visa Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge Submit their biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph Those selected in the ballot but who decide not to proceed with the visa application are not required to inform the UK authorities.
The BriefWire