Seasonal Employment Visa for the UK
Seasonal Worker Visa
The Seasonal Worker Visa provides an opportunity for individuals to work temporarily in the United Kingdom, filling short-term labour needs in specific industries. This visa is particularly targeted at sectors facing seasonal labour shortages, such as horticulture, crop harvesting, and poultry production.
Duration of Stay
- General seasonal roles: Workers can stay in the UK for up to six months.
- Poultry roles: Employment is typically limited to the period between October and December, reflecting peak industry demand during the winter months.
Purpose and Benefits
- Addressing seasonal labour shortages: The visa helps UK employers meet short-term workforce needs in key sectors.
- Legal employment framework: It allows workers to legally reside and work in the UK for the duration of their visa, with clearly defined rights and responsibilities.
- Flexibility for employers and workers: Employers can hire skilled temporary workers efficiently, while workers gain international work experience and income opportunities.
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must have a valid job offer from a licensed UK employer in the eligible industries and meet basic immigration requirements, including English language proficiency and financial maintenance (unless covered by the employer).
Eligibility Criteria for the Seasonal Worker Visa
To be eligible for a UK Seasonal Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): A valid CoS from a Home Office-approved sponsor is required. This confirms that the applicant has a genuine job offer in the UK.
- Eligible Occupation: The job must be in a recognised seasonal industry, such as horticulture (crop harvesting, fruit picking) or poultry production.
- Financial Requirement: Applicants must have at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days within the 31 days prior to applying, to demonstrate they can support themselves upon arrival.
- Visa Duration and Stability: The Seasonal Worker visa route has been extended until 2029, offering long-term stability for UK businesses that rely on seasonal labour and providing consistent opportunities for overseas workers.
Seasonal Worker Visa & Application Fees
Seasonal Worker Visa Eligible Roles
For 2025, the UK government has allocated a total of 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas to support key industries experiencing seasonal labour shortages:
- Horticulture: 43,000 visas, covering roles such as fruit picking, crop harvesting, and other agricultural work.
- Poultry Production: 2,000 visas, for positions in poultry farms and related seasonal operations.
These allocations ensure that employers in high-demand sectors can recruit the temporary workforce they need to maintain productivity during peak seasons.
Seasonal Worker Visa Application Fees
The application fee for a UK Seasonal Worker Visa is currently £319, payable to the Home Office at the time of submission.
Requirements
Employer Requirements for the Seasonal Worker Visa
Valid Scheme Operator Status
Employers must be endorsed by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and licensed by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). This ensures only approved operators can recruit seasonal workers.
Safe and Fair Working Conditions
Employers are required to provide a safe work environment and treat workers fairly. Employment contracts must be provided in both English and the worker’s first language to ensure clear understanding of rights and responsibilities.
Proper Payment
All workers must be paid in accordance with National Minimum Wage regulations. Employers must ensure timely and accurate wage payments to maintain compliance.
Worker Welfare Compliance
Employers are subject to enhanced government checks to ensure welfare standards are met. This includes monitoring working hours, accommodation quality (if provided), and overall treatment of workers.
Legal and Ethical Obligations
Compliance with UK employment law, health and safety regulations, and the terms of the Seasonal Worker Visa scheme is mandatory. This protects both the workers and the organisation from penalties or licence suspension.
Application Process for the Seasonal Worker Visa
Applying for a Seasonal Worker Visa requires careful timing and preparation. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key steps and deadlines every applicant must follow:
1. Apply Up to Three Months Before Your Start Date
You can submit your application no earlier than three months before your employment start date, as stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
This allows the Home Office enough time to process your application while ensuring that your visa will remain valid when your job begins.
2. Different Deadlines for Poultry and Horticulture Roles
The application window varies based on the type of seasonal work:
- Poultry workers: Must apply by 15 November each year, as these roles are linked to peak seasonal demand during the winter period.
- Horticulture workers: Can apply at any point during the year, as horticulture has multiple seasons that require workers throughout the year.
Understanding these timelines is essential to avoid missed deadlines and ensure your visa is processed on time.
3. Processing Time
Once your application is submitted, the Home Office typically issues a decision within three weeks. However, processing may be delayed if additional documents are required or if there is a surge in applications.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility is limited to individuals working in horticulture (such as fruit picking, crop harvesting, and farm work) and poultry production. Applicants must also have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved scheme operator.
The visa allows you to stay in the UK for the duration specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship, up to a maximum of six months for horticulture roles. For poultry roles, the stay is restricted to the seasonal period between October and December.
No, the Seasonal Worker Visa cannot be extended. If you wish to return for another season, you must apply again from outside the UK with a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
No, dependents cannot accompany or join you under the Seasonal Worker Visa. This visa route is strictly temporary and intended only for short-term seasonal employment.
