Seasonal Worker Visa UK

The UK’s Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign nationals to come to the UK temporarily for short-term employment in specific sectors like horticulture and poultry production. If you’re looking for work picking fruit, vegetables, or flowers—or helping with poultry production around the holiday season—this visa route could be ideal for you.

In this guide, we’ll cover who’s eligible, how to apply, what jobs are allowed, and what employers need to know in 2025.

What Is the Seasonal Worker Visa?

The Seasonal Worker visa (previously known as the Temporary Worker - Seasonal Worker visa (T5)) is part of the UK's Temporary Work visa routes. It was introduced to address short-term labour shortages in critical sectors.

There are two eligible categories:

• Horticulture (e.g. fruit picking, plant care) – Work allowed for up to 6 months.
• Poultry production – Work allowed from 18 October to 31 December only. Applications must be submitted by 15 November.

Who Can Apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa?

To qualify, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be 18 years or older at the time of application
• Have a certificate of sponsorship from a Home Office-licensed sponsor
• Plan to work in an eligible job in horticulture or poultry production
• Have at least £1,270 in savings unless your sponsor agrees to cover your costs
• Pay the £319 application fee
• Apply from outside the UK

Note: You must hold the required funds in your bank account for at least 28 days, and those 28 days must end within 31 days of your application date.

How Long Can You Stay?

The duration depends on your sector:

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before your job’s start date (as listed on your CoS).

Jobs Eligible Under the Seasonal Worker Visa

Horticulture Jobs

Eligible horticulture occupations include:

• Soft fruit and top fruit harvesting (e.g. strawberries, apples)
• Field vegetables and protected crops (e.g. salads, potatoes)
• Cut flowers and ornamental plants
• Tree and forest nursery work
• Mushroom cultivation
• Bulbs and bedding plants production

These roles often take place in fields, glasshouses, or polytunnels.

Poultry Production Jobs

These roles are seasonal and only permitted between 18 October and 31 December. Eligible jobs include:

• Butcher
• Poultry processor
• Trusser
• Poultry meat packer
• Bird/game dresser
• Food operative
• Poultry catcher/handler
• Poultry sticker or vaccinator

All roles must fall under specific occupation codes such as 5433, 8111, 9111, or 9134.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Seasonal Worker Visa

You can:

• Work in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• Study (you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate for some courses)

You cannot:

• Take a permanent job
• Work in a second job or a job that is not described in your CoS
• Access public funds
• Bring family members with you
• Apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

This is a temporary visa only. Once your work ends, you must leave the UK unless switching to another visa (if eligible).

How to Apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa

You must apply online through the official UK Government website. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Secure a Job with a Sponsor

You must first be recruited by a scheme operator or an employer that is licensed by the Home Office and approved for this route.

Step 2: Receive Your Certificate of Sponsorship

Your sponsor will issue a unique reference number that you'll use during the visa application.

Step 3: Submit Your Visa Application

• Complete the online form
• Upload your documents
• Pay the visa fee (£319) using the visa fees calculator
• Schedule your biometrics appointment if required

You may need to attend a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your ID.

Required Documents

When applying, you’ll need:

• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• A valid passport or travel document
• Proof of personal savings (unless covered by your employer)
• A blank passport page for your visa
• Certified translations of any non-English documents

The Home Office may ask for additional documents after submission.

Visa Processing Time

The UKVI typically processes Seasonal Worker visa applications within 3 weeks after biometrics are submitted and documents uploaded.

You can apply up to 3 months before your job starts (as listed on your CoS).

Sponsor Management System & Employer Requirements

If you're a UK employer looking to hire under the Seasonal Worker visa, you must:

• Be an approved scheme operator
• Use the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
• Provide a safe, lawful, and fair working environment
• Offer employment contracts in both English and the worker's first language
• Avoid zero-hour contracts
• Pay workers at least the National Minimum Wage and fair piece-work rates
• Allow breaks, holidays, and time off

Employers must maintain duty of care, ensure housing standards, and cooperate with GLAA inspections.

Rights and Protections for Seasonal Workers

Seasonal workers in the UK are protected under UK employment law:

• Right to fair wages and paid holiday
• Right to safe working conditions
• Protection from discrimination and exploitation

If you're unsure about your rights, you can contact the GLAA or a legal advisor.

Seasonal Worker Visa vs. Skilled Worker Visa

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The Seasonal Worker visa is ideal for short-term, unskilled work. For long-term roles or higher pay, the Skilled Worker visa is a better fit.

How to Find a Job With a Licensed Seasonal Worker Sponsor

You can’t apply for this visa without a sponsor. Here's how to find one:

• Check the official list of licensed sponsors on gov.uk
• Contact approved scheme operators directly (e.g. Pro-Force, HOPS Labour Solutions, Concordia)
• Avoid scams—never pay recruitment fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my Seasonal Worker visa?
No, it cannot be extended beyond 6 months.

Can I switch to another visa inside the UK?
Usually not. You must leave and apply from abroad.

Can I bring family with me?
No, dependants are not allowed on this visa route.

Can I change jobs while in the UK?
Only if the new job is covered by your existing CoS and within the permitted categories.

Conclusion

The Seasonal Worker visa is a valuable route for overseas workers and UK employers alike. It helps fill crucial roles in food and farming while giving individuals a short-term opportunity to live and work in the UK.

Whether you're picking strawberries in Kent or packing poultry for the holidays, understanding your rights, requirements, and responsibilities is essential.

Ready to apply or hire under the scheme? Get in touch with our team for expert guidance.

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