Indian graduates are poised to explore greater opportunities with the launch of the Young Professionals Scheme on Feb. 28 by India and the UK. A total of 3000 visas are allocated under the scheme to India. The announcement came after the 15th India-UK Foreign Office Consultations and was confirmed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on his Twitter. While there aren’t any updates on this new UK work visa, a document released by the Home Office explains the application process for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. With the Youth Mobility Scheme, visa holders can live and work in the country for up to two years. Let us highlight some key facts about the scheme.

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE YOUTH MOBILITY SCHEME

You can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme to live and work in the UK for a two-year period if you fulfil these criteria-

• Your are aged between 18 and 30 years
• You have British nationality or hail from a listed country (including India)
• Your bank account has 2,530 pounds for a minimum of 28 days.

However, you cannot bring your family members through the scheme. Also, note that it is not a route to permanent residence. There are certain exceptions to the scheme. You cannot apply if either of the following applies-

• You have children below 18 living with you
• You hold the financially responsibility for dependent children
• You have already been in the country under the scheme

Besides these eligibility criteria and exceptions, there are a few country-specific requirements for Indians. These include-

• Ensure an invitation to apply by the Home Office
• Have at least a bachelor’s degree
• Submit your application on time
• Provide the application number
• Get a police clearance certificate six months before the application date

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE YOUTH MOBILITY SCHEME

The application process for the Youth Mobility Scheme is simple. You can apply online, but keep the following documents ready for the process-

• A valid passport
• Your tuberculosis test results from a clinic approved by the Home Office
• A bank statement as a valid proof of funds
• Certified translation of documents not in English or Welsh

You will also need to get a biometric residence permit by submitting your photograph and fingerprints at a visa application centre. Approval for the Youth Mobility Scheme application usually comes in about three weeks. The cost of application is 259 pounds, while a yearly health surcharge of about 470 pounds also applies.