He distinguished himself in the Tumu Crisis, leading the defense of the imperial capital against the Mongols, and was promoted to the position of Minister of War.

He started his career in the Ming civil service after obtaining the position of a jinshi (進士; successful candidate) in the imperial examination in 1421.

He helped to suppress a rebellion by the prince Zhu Gaoxu in 1426 and earned the favour of the Xuande Emperor (r. 1425–1435), who appointed him as the Grand coordinator of Shanxi and Henan.

During the reign of the Zhengtong Emperor (r. 1435–1449), he offended the influential court eunuch Wang Zhen and ended up being imprisoned.

In 1449, Yu Qian played an important role in leading the Defense of Beijing from attacks by the Oirat Mongols, who had earlier captured the Zhengtong Emperor at the Battle of Tumu.