Work in the UK Without a Job Offer? Visa Ballot Reopens July 22

Pay attention to all 20-somethings with UK dreams and a solid degree in hand, the India Young Professionals Scheme is back, and the second (and final!) ballot for 2025 opens on July 22. If you're wondering what this mysterious “ballot” is and whether this is your golden ticket to the UK, you’re in the right place.

Let’s break it down.

Wait, what’s the Young Professionals Scheme?

It's an Indian visa for citizens aged 18 to 30 who would like to reside and work in the UK for two years. An opportunity to travel, gain work experience, and experience what life is like on the opposite side.

But this is how it is done, you don't apply outright. There is a ballot. You put your name in, and if you're selected, then you go ahead and apply for the visa itself.

So what’s happening now?

The ballot will open at 1:30 PM IST on July 22, 2025, and close 48 hours later on July 24. You can enter anytime during that window, no pressure to be the first one in line (this isn’t a concert ticket drop). 

And yes, entering the ballot is completely free.

Who’s eligible?

Here’s the quick checklist:

• Indian citizen, aged between 18–30
• A graduate (bachelor’s degree or higher)
• Have GBP 2,530 or INR 2.7 lakh saved up
• No kids depending on you
• Haven’t used this scheme before

That’s it. If this sounds like you, you’re good to go.

What do I need to enter?

You’ll fill out a form online (the link will go live on the gov.uk site during the ballot window) and submit:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Passport details + a scan/photo of it
• Phone number
• Email

That’s all. No essays, no documents, no stress.

What happens next?

After the ballot closes, names are picked at random. If you’re selected, you’ll get an email within 2 weeks inviting you to apply for the visa.

Then, you’ve got 90 days to:

• Apply online
• Pay the visa fee (£319) and the healthcare surcharge (£1,552)
• Submit your biometrics (photo + fingerprints)

If you’re not picked, no hard feelings, you can always try again next year if you're still eligible.

Why is this a big deal?

Well, only 3,000 spots are available under this scheme in 2025, and most were snapped up in the February round. That makes this July ballot your last shot this year.

Plus, the UK isn’t exactly handing out open work visas every day, this is a rare chance for young Indians to live and work freely, without needing a job offer upfront.

Real talk, is this worth it?

If you’ve been dreaming of working or even just experiencing life in the UK, absolutely. The visa gives you the flexibility to work, freelance, or even start your own thing and it’s a great stepping stone for long-term career growth abroad.

Just make sure you meet the eligibility and have the savings ready before you toss your name into the ballot.

Where’s the link to enter?

The UK government will update this official page with the ballot link once it goes live on July 22. Bookmark it.

Official link

TL;DR

If you’re a young, qualified Indian professional with a UK dream, mark your calendar for July 22. The ballot for the India Young Professionals Scheme could be your shot and entering costs nothing.

Worst case? You don’t get picked and try again later.
Best case? You’re packing for London this winter.