Young Professionals Scheme for Indian, UK graduates launched. Check eligibility, docs needed

The announcement about the opening of first ballot under the new scheme was made during Cleverly’s visit to Delhi as part of India’s G20 presidency.

Under the scheme, Indian and British nationals aged between 18 and 30 can apply to live and work in either country for a period of up to two years.

Announcing the opening of the scheme during his visit to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi on March 1, UK Foreign Secretary James said, “India is a hugely important partner to the UK and the deeper ties we are forging now will help to grow the UK economy and boost our industries for the future. This landmark migration scheme will enable the brightest and best in both our countries to benefit from new opportunities.”

The British High Commission in New Delhi opened its ballot for the first set of 2,400 visas available to eligible Indians under the reciprocal scheme. The ballot, which is free to enter, opened on February 28 afternoon and closed on March 2.

The Indian High Commission also opened its visa application process for UK nationals to apply for the scheme.

Here’s a look at the eligibility criteria for those applying from India:

• The professional should be an Indian citizen between the age of 18-30.
• Applicant would be required to show funds equivalent to INR 2,50,000 held for a minimum period of 30 days at the time of submission of the application.
• He/she would have to have at least a bachelor’s degree qualification. If someone has higher qualifications the evidence for that can be provided too.
• In any additional documents are needed, the UK Home Office will be directly in touch with the person.

List of documents required for the scheme:

• Passport or any other document that can serve as identity and nationality proof
• Bank statements showing a saving of at least £2530
• Bachelor’s degree and a letter of confirmation from the college or university from which the degree was received.
• Negative tuberculosis (TB) test results
• Police report or clearance certificate from India
• A blank page in the passport for visa

Successful candidates on the ballot need to apply for their visa by the deadline given in a subsequent invitation to apply, which is usually within 30 days. The successful candidate must travel to the UK within six months of applying for the visa.

Barrister and head of Trent Chambers dealing with human rights and immigration, Usha Sood called the application process “straight-forward”. She said, “Speed is of essence in applying for this scheme.”

There will be a ballot to choose from the applications in the UK.

The launch of the UK-India Young Professionals Scheme was dubbed a “significant moment” for the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The scheme was also seen as an effort to propel the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.