UK Verifies Seasonal Worker Visas for 2025 – Check Here

The UK government has confirmed the issuance of 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas for 2025 under the Regular Specialist visa route, aimed at addressing labor shortages in the horticulture and poultry sectors.

These temporary work visas are being promoted as part of a broader effort to support the UK’s food production system while maintaining national food security.

Check Also: UK Seasonal Work Visa Sponsorship Companies

Visa Breakdown:

• Total Visas: 45,000
  • Horticulture: 43,000 visas (e.g., fruit, vegetable, and flower harvesting)
  • Poultry: 2,000 visas (for work between October 2 and December 31 only)

According to Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security, the visa scheme supports national food supply by ensuring sufficient labor while also promoting innovation and automation in the sector.

What Is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

The Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in the UK in horticulture and poultry production. This visa replaced the Temporary Worker (T5) Seasonal Worker visa and is governed by a limited number of licensed scheme operators.

The visa allows:

• Horticulture workers to stay in the UK for up to 6 months in any 12-month period.
• Poultry workers to work only between October 2 and December 31.

Restrictions:

• No settlement rights
• No dependants
• No access to public funds
• Cannot switch to another visa while in the UK

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old
• Sponsorship: Must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer
• Return Requirement: Must leave the UK when the visa expires
• Skills & Aptitude: Must have the physical ability and skills for the job role
• Criminal Record: Must have a clean criminal history
• Health Requirements: Must meet UK health and safety standards
• Funds: Must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay
• Medical Insurance: Must have valid health coverage

Types of Jobs Available:

Horticulture Roles:

• Planting and transplanting crops
• Pruning and weeding
• Harvesting fruits, vegetables, and flowers
• Sorting, grading, and packing produce
• Operating machinery like mowers and tractors

Poultry Roles:

• Feeding and watering birds
• Cleaning poultry housing and equipment
• Egg collection, grading, and packing
• Transporting poultry (catching and loading)
• Administering vaccines and basic medical care
• Assisting with slaughter (where licensed)

Benefits:

• Addresses labor shortages in key food production sectors
• Boosts rural economies during peak seasons
• Provides legal and safe working conditions
• Supports the UK’s food security goals
• Flexible workforce solution for employers
• Reduces irregular migration by offering a regulated entry path

How to Apply for a UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

• Secure a Job Offer
  Apply to a licensed UK sponsor offering seasonal roles in horticulture or poultry.
• Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  Your employer will issue this document as proof of your sponsorship.
• Submit Your Application Online
  Apply via the UK government immigration portal. Include your CoS and required documents.
• Await a Decision
  Most visa decisions are made within 3 weeks of submitting all materials.

Cost and Salary Information:

• Visa Application Fee: £259 (approx. NPR 40,000)
• Airfare: Additional, based on travel location
• Estimated Salary:
  • Average: £28,772/year
  • Potential Total Pay: Up to £31,169/year (based on hours, overtime, and bonuses)

Visa Duration:

• Horticulture: Up to 6 months per calendar year
• Poultry: October 2 to December 31 only

Additional Info:

• No dependants can accompany the worker under this visa.
• No extension beyond the allocated time.
• The visa is non-convertible to other visa types.

Frequently Asked Questions: