The Young Professional Scheme for Indian Nationals, as set out under the UK’s Immigration Rules, is for young people from India who are looking to experience life in the UK. The scheme is similar to the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme, which is open to nationals from other specific participating countries or territories.
Both the Young Professional and Youth Mobility Schemes are exchange programmes aimed at qualifying nationals aged between 18 to 30, or 18 to 35, depending on their nationality, who want to see what UK culture is really like. In many cases, this can be used as an extended study break before going to University or after graduating, although many applicants will use this as an opportunity to network and expand their career opportunities.
What does the India Young Professional Scheme UK allow?
A visa under the India Young Professional Scheme will be granted for up to 2 years, during which time you can come to the UK to either travel around or work, or both. You will have the flexibility to undertake any type of work in the UK, except as either a professional sportsperson or sports coach, where there will be no need to have the offer of a job before applying for this visa or to be sponsored by a UK employer or licensed organisation. In this way, the scheme allows youngsters to easily earn a living while experiencing life in the UK.
You can even set up your own UK company or work in the UK on a self-employed basis. The only qualifying requirements here are that you have no premises which you own and from which you carry out your business (other than your home), the total value of any of the equipment used in your business does not exceed £5,000 and you have no employees.
At the end of your authorised stay, you will have the choice of leaving the UK or applying to switch to a different immigration route, provided you meet the relevant requirements. This could include, for example, the Skilled Worker route, although you must have a suitable job offer that meets the minimum skill and salary requirements from a licensed UK sponsor.
What are the requirements for the India Young Professional Scheme?
The requirements that you must meet to be granted a visa under the India Young Professional Scheme are split into the three parts under the UK’s Immigration Rules:
Validity requirements: these outline the minimum criteria that must be met in order for a full consideration by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to take place. UKVI is the division of the Home Office responsible for issuing visas under the scheme. These requirements ensure that, for example, the correct online form has been used and that you have supplied a valid identity document. Importantly, any application that does not meet these requirements will be invalid and may be rejected without further consideration.
Suitability requirements: these check your suitability to hold a visa under the scheme, where you must not fall for refusal on the general grounds under the Immigration Rules or be in breach of immigration laws in the UK. Any applicant that does not meet these requirements must be refused, where you can be refused a visa if you have been convicted of a criminal offence or have a history of immigration violations.
Eligibility requirements: these are the main scheme-specific criteria, where any failure to meet these requirements means that your application must again be refused.
Get in touch: For a comprehensive understanding of your options or queries on UK immigration matters, reach out to GigaLegal Solicitors at 02074067654 or click here to book a no-obligation consultation with an immigration expert.