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Youth Mobility Scheme for Indian Nationals set to open on 1 January 2022

On the 4 May 2021 the UK signed the MoU on the migration mobility partnership between India and the United Kingdom. In a first of its kind between the two countries, both governments have agreed enhanced mobility provisions for young professional Indian and British citizens.

The current Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS”) in the UK provides a cultural exchange programme that allows a person aged between 18 and 30, from participating countries and territories, to experience life in the UK for up to 2 years. Dependants are not permitted on this route, and it is not a category that leads to settlement.

When the YMS scheme expands on 1 January 2022 there will be a limit of 3,000 places available for Indian Citizens.

A prospective applicant must submit an “expression of interest” in applying for approval under the scheme. The Home Office will randomly select those to whom an invitation to apply for entry clearance under the YMS allocation is to be issued from the pool of those who have submitted an expression of interest.

Eligibility for Indian Nationals

The applicant must:

  • hold a valid invitation to apply.
  • be aged between 18 – 30 at the time
  • hold a qualification equal to or above RQF level 6; and provide evidence of that qualification
  • have a minimum of three years’ work experience in a professional role equivalent to an eligible occupation listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations and provides evidence of that work experience
  • hold sufficient maintenance funds of £ 2,530 for a 28-day period immediately prior to the application.

If successful, the applicant will be granted entry clearance for up to two years. Work is permitted during this period (except as a professional sportsperson, including as a sports coach).

It’s important to note that the visa is non extendable but under the current Immigration Rules an individual can switch into Skilled Worker route before the end of the visa period.

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