Fruit Picking Jobs in England with Visa Sponsorship

As England’s orchards come alive in the 2026 harvest season, so does a life-changing opportunity for international workers seeking honest work, steady income, and a legal pathway to UK. Fruit-picking jobs in England with visa sponsorship allow you to earn GBP 8–12 per hour while working in scenic farms, breathing fresh countryside air, and becoming part of a team that feeds the nation.

For many foreigners, these roles are more than seasonal jobs; they are a gateway to UK work experience, cultural exposure, and financial stability during peak harvest months. With visa sponsorship available, 2026 is an ideal year to turn hard work into real opportunity.

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Details of Fruit Picking Jobs in England

Key Points

• Job Title: Seasonal Agricultural Worker / Fruit Picker / Harvest Operative
• Location: Various regions across England (e.g., Kent, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Essex).
• Job Type: Temporary, Seasonal Contract (typically 3-6 months).
• Visa Sponsorship Route: Seasonal Worker Visa (for up to 6 months).

Read Also: Seasonal Fruit Picker Jobs in UK

Jobs Responsibilities of Fruit Picking in England

• Harvesting: Picking fruits such as apples, berries, pears, and stone fruit carefully by hand to avoid bruising.
• Field Sorting: Identifying and separating ripe, high-quality produce from damaged or unripe fruit.
• Packing: Packing harvested fruit directly into punnets, trays, or bins in the field or packhouse.
• Quality Control: Working to strict quality and size specifications set by supermarkets and distributors.
• Teamwork: Working efficiently as part of a team under the supervision of a field manager.

Eligibility & Visa Sponsorship Process

It is critical to understand that you cannot apply directly to a farm for individual sponsorship. The Seasonal Worker Visa is managed through government-approved scheme operators.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

1. Sponsorship by a Licensed Operator: You must be recruited by a UK government-licensed scheme operator (e.g., Concordia, Pro-Force, Fruitful Jobs). They act as your sponsor, not the individual farm.
2. Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country eligible for the Seasonal Worker scheme (includes many countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and beyond—check the official list).
3. Age & Health: Must be 18 or over and medically fit for strenuous outdoor work.
4. Financial Requirements: You must have a minimum of £1,270 in personal savings to support yourself, unless fully covered by your sponsor.
5. Criminal Record: Must provide a clean criminal record certificate.

Benefits of the Seasonal Worker Scheme

Positions through licensed operators offer a regulated and secure package:

• Legal Right to Work: A seasonal worker visa tied to your scheme operator and farm placement.
• Guaranteed Minimum Wage: You are legally entitled to at least the UK National Minimum Wage (currently £11.44 per hour for those 21+). Many roles offer piece-rate pay (payment per amount picked), allowing you to earn more if you work efficiently.
• Accommodation: Licensed operators provide approved accommodation, usually deducted from your wages at a regulated rate.
• Transport: Flights to and from the UK are arranged and paid for, either upfront or through deductions.
• Support: On-the-ground support from the scheme operator for any issues related to work, pay, or accommodation.

Expected Wages & Realistic Earnings

• Payment Structure: You will be guaranteed the National Minimum Wage for every hour you work. If on a piece-rate, the scheme operator must ensure your earnings never fall below this hourly rate.
• Realistic Take-Home Pay: After tax and accommodation deductions, a diligent worker can typically expect to take home £250 – £400+ per week. Savings are possible by working overtime and increasing picking speed.

Visa Requirements

1. Valid Job Offer & Sponsor in the UK
   You must have a confirmed offer from a UK farm or labor provider authorized to place seasonal workers and able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for horticulture work (fruit picking).
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
   Your employer/scheme operator must issue you a CoS that includes your name, job details, and dates and this must be used within 3 months of issue when applying.
3. Apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa
   You must apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa specifically for horticulture work, which legally allows you to work picking fruit and other crops in the UK.
4. Minimum Age Requirement
   You must be at least 18 years old when you submit your visa application
5. Valid Passport
   Your passport must be valid for your stay and allow entry into the UK when your visa is issued.
6. Sufficient Funds for Support
   You must show you can support yourself financially (commonly at least £1,270 in savings held for 28 days) unless your sponsor certifies they’ll cover your first month’s costs
7. Biometrics & Visa Fee Payment
   You’ll need to provide biometric information and pay the Seasonal Worker visa application fee (approx. £319) as part of your application
8. Work Only in Horticulture & Within Dates
   Your visa allows you to work only in the horticulture sector (e.g., fruit picking and related tasks) for up to 6 months; you cannot take any other job or bring dependents.
9. No English Test Required
   There’s no formal English language requirement for this seasonal route (unlike most skilled visas).
10. Cool-Off/Eligibility Rules
    If you previously held a Seasonal Worker Visa, there may be conditions on when you can apply again depending on how recently you last worked in the UK under this route.

How to Apply for Fruit Picking Jobs in England with Visa Sponsorship

The application process is managed entirely through licensed scheme operators.

1. Identify & Contact Licensed Operators: Find the official list of licensed operators on the GOV.UK website. Apply directly through their websites (e.g., Concordia, Pro-Force).
2. Prepare Your Documents: Have a valid passport, proof of savings, and a clean criminal record certificate ready.
3. Interview & Matching: If your application is successful, the operator will interview you and match you with a UK farm based on your skills and their needs.
4. Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The operator will issue you a CoS reference number.
5. Apply for Your Visa: Use the CoS to complete the online Seasonal Worker Visa application, pay the fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and attend a biometric appointment.
6. Travel & Start Work: Once your visa is granted, the operator will arrange your travel to the UK and transport to the farm.

Conclusion

Fruit-picking positions in England offer a vital and accessible seasonal opportunity for international workers. Supported by employer-sponsored visas, these roles provide a legal and structured entry into the UK’s agricultural sector. While physically demanding, the work is rewarding, offering competitive pay, potential accommodation support, and the unique experience of participating in England’s rich farming heritage.

For individuals who are physically fit, immediately available, and seeking an active outdoor job, applying for a sponsored fruit-picking role is an effective way to gain UK work experience and cultural immersion during the bustling harvest season.

Frequently Asked Questions