The Home Office has announced that the ballot to apply under this category will open at 2:30pm IST on 28 February 2023. It will then close at 2:30pm IST on 2 March 2023. Entries can be made anytime within this period at no cost.
The ballot is open to Indian citizens between 18 to 30 years old. They must be educated to bachelor’s degree level or above and have access to £2,530 in savings to support themselves in the UK.
There are only 2,400 places available in this ballot. It has been advised that the successful entries will be picked at random, rather than on a first come-first served basis. The results will be issued within two weeks from 2 March 2023, when invitations to apply for the visa will be issued.
If successful, an application under this visa category must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the successful notification. Once approved, the visa will be approved for up to 24 months and entry to the UK must be made within 6 months of applying for the visa.
Whist in the UK, this visa will permit study, work in most jobs and self-employment. However, it is important to note that the status cannot be extended further, there can be no recourse to public funds, and family members cannot accompany the visa holder.
For unsuccessful entries, the next ballot will likely be held in July 2023 where a further submission may be made.
For any questions or support in relation to this UK visa category or the ballot, please contact your Magrath Sheldrick LLP advisor for further information.