UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2025 – Temporary Work Visa

UK Seasonal Worker Visa could be the perfect opportunity for you. This visa is ideal for workers in the horticulture and poultry sectors, where demand for temporary labour peaks during the growing and harvest seasons. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa, what you need to know, and the benefits it offers.

Read Also: Uk Seasonal Work Visa Sponsorship Companies

What Is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is a temporary work visa that allows foreign nationals to come to the UK for a specific period to work in seasonal agricultural roles. It is designed primarily for workers in sectors like horticulture and poultry production, where there is a pressing need for seasonal labour.

In 2025, the UK government is issuing a total of 55,000 seasonal worker visas to fill these vacancies, which is an increase from previous years. The visa is typically valid for up to 6 months, and the types of work you can do include:

• Picking and packing fruit, vegetables, and flowers
• Processing and packaging poultry
• Other agricultural jobs requiring temporary labor

Key Sectors for UK Seasonal Worker Visa:

1. Horticulture Sector:

Workers in this sector are responsible for cultivating and harvesting plants, vegetables, and fruits. The main areas include:

• Field vegetables: Items like potatoes, herbs, and lettuce, often grown outdoors.
• Soft fruits: Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, which may be grown in greenhouses or fields.
• Top fruits: Apples, plums, and cherries, often grown in orchards.
• Flowers and ornamental plants: Including cut flowers like dahlias and plants such as pansies and poinsettias.
• Mushrooms: Grown indoors, often in controlled environments.

2. Poultry Sector:

Workers in the poultry industry typically handle jobs related to poultry processing, from slaughtering and butchering to packing and packaging. Positions include:

• Butcher
• Plucker
• Food operative
• Poultry handler
• Poultry vaccinator

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa:

To apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa, you must meet certain requirements. These ensure that you qualify for the program and are eligible for sponsorship by a UK employer.

1. Age Requirement:

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa. This age requirement is set to ensure that you have the maturity and capacity to live and work independently in the UK.

2. Job Offer from a UK Employer:

To apply for the visa, you must have a valid job offer from an employer in the UK who is authorised to sponsor workers. The employer will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is required to apply for the visa.

3. Financial Support:

You need to show that you have enough funds to support yourself upon arrival in the UK. Generally, this means having at least £1,270 in your bank account. However, if your employer agrees to sponsor your living expenses (e.g., housing or meals), this requirement may be waived.

4. Valid Passport:

You must possess a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the UK.

5. Health and Character Requirements:

All visa applicants must pass health and character checks. This may include providing a tuberculosis (TB) test result if required by UK immigration authorities, particularly if you’re coming from a country where TB is common.

How to Apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

Follow these steps to successfully apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa:

Step 1: Find a Job in the UK:

Before you can apply for a visa, you need to secure a job offer from a UK-based employer who is eligible to sponsor seasonal workers. Several recruitment companies and agricultural businesses are approved to sponsor foreign workers. Some notable companies include:

• Pro-Force Limited
• Haygrove Recruitment
• Hops Labour Solutions
• Concordia UK Ltd.
• Fruitful Jobs Limited

Step 2: Apply for the Visa Online:

Once you have a job offer, visit the UK Government’s official visa application portal to start your application. You’ll need to provide personal details, employment information, and other necessary documents, such as your passport and Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee:

The visa application fee for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa is £259. You’ll also be required to pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The IHS fee depends on the length of your stay.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Wait for the Decision:

After submitting your application and paying the fee, you’ll typically receive a decision within 3-4 weeks. Be sure to track your application status online and keep your contact details updated.

Step 5: Arrive in the UK and Begin Work:

Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive an entry visa to travel to the UK. After arriving, you’ll be able to start work immediately with your sponsoring employer.

Required Documents for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa:

To ensure your application is processed smoothly, gather the following documents:

1. Passport: A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): A reference number from your sponsoring employer.
3. Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements showing at least £1,270 in your account (unless your employer provides financial sponsorship).
4. Job Offer Letter: A formal offer from your employer confirming your job position, salary, and working hours.
5. Proof of Health: Tuberculosis test results, if applicable.

Visa Costs and Fees:

The cost of applying for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa includes:

• Visa Application Fee: £259 (for the full duration of your stay).
• Immigration Health Surcharge: Varies depending on the length of your stay and whether you are applying for a visa that allows access to healthcare.

Benefits of the UK Seasonal Worker Visa:

For Individuals:

• Work Experience: Gain valuable experience in a leading agricultural economy and improve your skills in horticulture or poultry production.
• Higher Wages: Seasonal work in the UK can often pay more than comparable jobs in other countries, especially when exchange rates work in your favour.
• Cultural Exchange: Living and working in the UK exposes you to new cultures, languages, and lifestyles, expanding your global perspective.
• Networking Opportunities: Working in a diverse, international workforce allows you to build professional connections and relationships that may benefit your career long term.

For the UK:

• Addressing Labour Shortages: The UK relies on seasonal workers to fill gaps in industries like agriculture, where domestic labour may not be sufficient.
• Economic Growth: Seasonal workers contribute significantly to local economies, paying taxes, spending money, and supporting rural and agricultural sectors.
• Cultural Exchange: Foreign workers bring diverse perspectives that enrich British society and the workforce.

Conclusion:

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals without specialized skills to live and work in the UK for a limited period. With an increased quota of 55,000 visas in 2025, many workers from around the world can apply for positions in the agriculture and food processing sectors. Follow the steps above, secure your job offer, and start your journey to working in the UK!

How To Apply For A UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

• You need to Find a Job 
• Apply online for the UK Government’s Visas website.
• Pay the Application Fee online
• Wait for the Visa

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