On May 4, 2021 the UK announced a special program for young Indian professionals, allowing them to work in the UK for at least two years. British Home Secretary Priti Patel, who had signed the deal with her Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, stated “The UK Government is committed to deliver an immigration system that offers clear opportunities to the brightest and best talent from India and around the world to come to the UK to study, work and live. This ground-breaking new partnership with India is an important milestone in delivering on that commitment.”
This new visa route will benefit several young and bright Indian applicants. This route is called the Young Professionals Scheme and is part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership signed between India and the UK.
According to the agreement, thousands of young people between the ages of 18 and 30 will be able to utilize this new visa route. Indian professionals applying for visas under the scheme will have to prove they have at least £2,530 in savings and that they can support themselves during their stay in the UK. To be eligible to apply, applicants will need to prove that they have completed a three years degree or diploma. Upon completing two years of work in the UK, applicants would be permitted to stay back in the UK, provided their employer sponsors them on a work contract.
The number of visas for young Indian professionals has been capped to 3,000 per year.