The UK India Young Professionals Scheme ballot for 2026 opens from 17–19 February, offering 3,000 visas for young Indians to live and work in the UK for up to two years without sponsorship.
Ballot Dates, Eligibility, 3,000 Visa Allocation
The United Kingdom has officially announced the opening of the India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS) ballot for 2026, creating a structured mobility opportunity for young Indian citizens seeking short-term work exposure in the UK.
The ballot will remain open from February 17, 2026, at 2:30 PM IST until February 19, 2026, at 2:30 PM IST, offering a limited window of just 48 hours for eligible applicants to enter. For 2026, the UK government has allocated 3,000 visa places under this scheme, with the majority expected to be issued in the February ballot round.
For Indian graduates and early-career professionals between the ages of 18 and 30, this remains one of the most flexible UK work visa pathways currently available.
Quick Highlights
The India Young Professionals Scheme (IYPS) is a UK mobility visa route introduced under the UK–India Migration and Mobility Partnership.
It allows eligible Indian citizens to:
This visa does not directly lead to permanent residency, but it offers independent short-term work mobility.
The 2026 ballot is particularly noteworthy due to the allocation structure and the rising demand among Indian applicants.
The UK has confirmed that 3,000 visas will be made available in 2026. Historically, the scheme has been oversubscribed, meaning that the number of eligible applicants far exceeds available places. Because selection is made through a random ballot system, preparation and eligibility clarity become critical.
Unlike first-come-first-served visa systems, entry into the ballot does not guarantee selection. However, failing to enter during the open window eliminates the opportunity entirely for that round.
Given that most of the annual quota is expected to be issued during the February ballot, this first round carries strategic importance for applicants.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To enter the 2026 ballot, applicants must:
Submitting multiple entries may result in disqualification.
Confirm age, citizenship, and documentation requirements.
You will need:
Submit your online entry between:
17 February 2026 – 2:30 PM IST and 19 February 2026 – 2:30 PM IST
Entry is free.
Ballot results are usually communicated by email within approximately two weeks after closure.
If selected, you must:
You may re-enter future ballots if still eligible.
What Happens After Selection?
Selection does not guarantee visa issuance. It allows you to apply.
Applicants must:
Failure to apply within 90 days forfeits the invitation.
However, not proceeding does not permanently affect future eligibility.
For Indian graduates and early-career professionals, the scheme offers:
However, applicants must understand:
The United Kingdom continues to remain a preferred destination for Indian graduates seeking international career exposure. Factors such as the UK’s global business environment, English-speaking ecosystem, and established Indian community contribute to strong demand.
Because the ballot entry is free and the quota is limited, participation rates are typically high. This increases competition and reinforces the need for preparation before the ballot window opens.
Applicants should ensure that passport validity, eligibility clarity, and financial preparedness are addressed in advance.
The India Young Professionals Scheme:
But it provides:
Those planning long-term UK migration should align this route with broader career goals.
High-demand mobility programs require structured planning.
Winny supports individuals by:
In competitive quota-based programs, clarity and strategy matter more than urgency.
The ballot opens on February 17, 2026, at 2:30 PM IST and closes on February 19, 2026, at 2:30 PM IST.
The UK government has allocated 3,000 visa places for Indian applicants in 2026.
Yes, entry into the ballot is free. However, visa application fees apply if selected.
No. The India Young Professionals Scheme does not require employer sponsorship.
No. The visa is valid for two years and does not directly lead to settlement.
