London: The Indian High Commission has started the visa application process for the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) for UK nationals. The British High Commission in New Delhi has also introduced a similar visa for Indian graduates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak, signed the scheme last year. Under this, Indian and British citizens between 18-30 years of age can work in each other’s country for two years.
There are certain conditions for applying for a visa under this scheme. They will have to show graduate degrees and necessary funds to live in each other’s country. The Indian High Commission in the UK has implemented this scheme from today. According to the information found on the website, a fee of 720 pounds has been kept for this. The visa application will be granted under the E-1 visa which will be forwarded by the VFS Global Visa Service Provider.
According to information provided by the High Commission, successful applicants can take employment as a ‘coincidental part’ of their position. However, many areas of employment will not come under its purview, including those related to defense, telecom, space, strategic projects, civil aviation, nuclear energy, human rights and environment.
The British High Commission in Delhi has offered 2400 visas in the first set of ballots. For this, the application can be made from this afternoon till March 2.
Students who succeed in the ballot will be asked to apply for a visa. Successful candidates will have to go to the UK within six months of getting a visa.