A Guide to UK Seasonal Worker Visa

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is a temporary visa aimed at allowing foreign nationals to come to the UK on a short-term, stated occupation to work in the horticulture and agriculture sectors. The visa covers labour shortages in the UK during peak seasons like planting and harvesting. It has a duration of up to 6 months and does not grant permanent residence. They must have an offer of employment and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a legitimate UK sponsor.

Understanding the UK Seasonal Worker Visa

The Seasonal Worker visa (part of the Temporary Worker visa category) allows individuals from outside the UK to come to the UK for a limited time to work in specific agricultural sectors. The primary aim is to fill short-term labour needs during peak seasons, such as harvesting fruits and vegetables or processing poultry.

Key features of the Seasonal Worker visa:

• Temporary Stay: The UK visa allows a stay of up to 6 months for horticulture work within a 12-month period. For poultry work, the stay is specifically from October 2nd to December 31st each year.
• Specific Sectors: Currently, eligible work is limited to horticulture (e.g., picking fruits, vegetables, flowers) and poultry production (processing and related tasks). Note that as of early 2025, roles like pork butchery and HGV driving for food transport are not included under this visa.
• Sponsorship Required: Applicants must have a job offer from a UK employer who is an approved scheme operator endorsed by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and licensed by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
• No Path to Settlement: This visa does not lead to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.
• No Dependants: Workers on this visa cannot bring family members (dependants) with them.

Eligibility Requirements for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa

To apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa, you must meet the following conditions:

• Be 18 years or older: Applicants must be at least 18 at the time of application.
• Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You must have a valid CoS from a UK-licensed sponsor (an approved employer).
• Be coming to do eligible seasonal work: This visa is only for specific sectors like horticulture or poultry processing during peak seasons.
• Show proof of sufficient funds: You must prove you have enough money to support yourself (usually £1,270), unless your sponsor agrees to cover your costs.
• Genuine intention to work and leave: You must intend to do the job listed in your CoS and leave the UK when your visa ends.
• Have a clean immigration history: You should not have overstayed visas or broken immigration laws in the UK or any other country.
• Pass a criminal background check: A history of serious criminal offenses may lead to refusal.
• Take a tuberculosis (TB) test if required: This applies if you’re applying from a country where TB testing is mandatory.
• Be a citizen of an eligible country: Only nationals from specific countries approved under the scheme are eligible to apply.

Finding a Sponsoring Employer and Obtaining a CoS

You cannot apply for a Seasonal Worker visa without a job offer and a CoS from an approved scheme operator. The process typically involves:

1. Identifying Approved Scheme Operators: The UK government publishes a list of approved scheme operators for the Seasonal Worker visa. You will need to find an operator that recruits workers from your country.
2. Applying for a Job: Contact the approved scheme operators directly through their websites or recruitment channels to inquire about job opportunities.
3. Receiving a Job Offer: If an operator offers you a suitable role, they will assign you a CoS. This is an electronic record with a reference number that you will need for your visa application. The operator will provide you with this reference number.
4. Understanding Your Employment Terms: Your sponsor must provide you with a contract in a language you understand, outlining the job details, working hours (guaranteed minimum of 32 paid hours per week as per recent rules), pay (at least the UK National Minimum Wage, potentially higher for poultry workers), and accommodation arrangements.

Approved Scheme Operators include:

• Agri-HR
• Concordia
• Fruitful Jobs
• Hops Labour Solutions
• Pro-Force

UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for Seasonal Worker Visa

This is a digital reference number issued by your sponsor. It contains details about the job offered, your personal details, and the period of work. A CoS must:

• Be issued by an approved sponsor
• Be used within 3 months of being issued

Approved Employers and Schemes

Only certain government-approved scheme operators can act as sponsors under the Seasonal Worker route. These operators work with farms and food production businesses to place workers legally and ethically.

Examples of approved scheme operators include:

• Pro-Force Limited
• Concordia
• AG Recruitment & Management

Application Process for UK Seasonal Worker Visa

Once you have your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number, follow these steps to apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa:

1. Apply online: Visit the UK government visa portal and complete your application.
2. Pay the application fee: Submit the required payment for processing your visa application.
3. Attend a biometrics appointment: If required, schedule and attend your biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
4. Wait for a decision: The processing time is typically around 3 weeks. During this time, the authorities will review your application and make a decision.

Required Documents for UK Seasonal Worker Visa Application

When applying for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Valid passport or travel ID: Ensure your passport is up to date with at least one blank page.
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number: Obtain this from your UK-based sponsor.
• Proof of savings or letter from sponsor covering expenses: Show that you have enough funds to support yourself, or provide a letter from your sponsor agreeing to cover costs.
• TB test results: If you're applying from a country where tuberculosis testing is required, submit the necessary medical results.

UK Seasonal Worker Visa Validity and Duration

The visa is valid for up to 6 months in a 12-month period. For poultry workers, the permitted period is from October 2 to December 31 of each year.

You must leave the UK at the end of your permitted stay. There is a mandatory 6-month 'cooling off' period after your permitted stay for horticulture workers before you can apply for another Seasonal Worker visa. This means you cannot return to the UK for seasonal work until 6 months have passed since your last period of employment. This cooling-off period may not apply to poultry workers due to the specific, shorter duration of their permitted stay.

Extending or Switching Your UK Seasonal Worker Visa

You cannot extend your Seasonal Worker visa beyond the maximum permitted duration (6 months for horticulture, specific dates for poultry). You also cannot switch to this visa from another visa category while you are inside the UK. If you wish to work in the UK under a different visa route after your seasonal work, you will generally need to leave the UK and apply for the relevant visa from your home country.

Visa Fee and Costs for UK Seasonal Worker Visa

When you apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa, you will be required to pay a standard application fee. In contrast to most other UK visas, the healthcare surcharge is not applicable for this visa. You will also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient personal funds to take care of yourself while there unless your sponsor has agreed to meet your living costs.

What You Can and Cannot Do with UK Seasonal Worker Visa 

While in the UK on a Seasonal Worker visa:

Rights and Protections for UK Seasonal Workers

Seasonal workers in the UK are entitled to:

• The National Minimum Wage
• Safe and fair working conditions
• Legal protection against discrimination or exploitation

Report abuse to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) or your scheme operator

Common Reasons for UK Seasonal Worker Visa Refusal

Here are some of the most common reasons that can can lead to rejection of the UK Seasonal Worker Visa:

• Missing or invalid Certificate of Sponsorship
• Insufficient funds
• Incorrect or incomplete application
• Past immigration violations
• Applying for non-eligible seasonal roles

Pay and Working Conditions in UK

Seasonal workers are entitled to at least the UK's National Minimum Wage (NMW). For poultry workers, the minimum wage may be higher. You are also guaranteed a minimum of 32 paid hours per week under recent immigration rules. Employers must provide you with a contract outlining your working conditions and pay.

Accommodation provided by employers must meet certain standards, and deductions from your wages for accommodation (other than a whole house) are capped. Employers are also responsible for providing necessary weather-protective clothing free of charge.

Conclusion

The UK Seasonal Worker visa provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to gain temporary employment in the UK's agricultural sector. By understanding the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the conditions of stay, prospective workers can navigate this route effectively. It is crucial to engage with approved scheme operators, ensure all documentation is accurate, and be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a seasonal worker in the UK. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in May 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.