UK Seasonal Work Visa 2025 – How to Get

The UK Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work route) allows foreign nationals to work in the UK in specific sectors such as horticulture and poultry processing for up to six months. Designed to address labor shortages during peak seasons, this visa provides short-term employment opportunities for individuals seeking international experience or supplemental income.

What is the UK Seasonal Work Visa?

A short-term, brief work visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United Kingdom in order to engage in routine employment may be the UK Seasonal Work Visa. It is classified as a “Brief Laborer” and is designed to assist businesses that experience a surge in labor demand during specific months of the year.

Employers primarily employ this visa in the following situations:

• Horticulture (the collection of natural products, vegetables, and blossoms)
• cultivation (regular employment associated with cultivation)
• Poultry management, particularly during the peak seasons,

This visa is not intended for permanent relocation or long-term commerce. It is intended to be temporary employment during peak seasons, following which the specialist will be required to return to their country of origin.

Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Jobs in UK for Foreigners – Apply Now

Eligibility Requirements:

To apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
• Possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Show proof of at least £1,270 in personal savings, held for 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor covers this
• Provide tuberculosis test results if required
• Hold a valid passport and travel documents

Sectors Covered:

As of 2025, the visa applies to three key sectors:

1. Horticulture

• Fruit and vegetable picking
• Flower harvesting
• Greenhouse work
• Packing and processing produce

2. Agriculture

• General farm labor
• Crop harvesting
• Operating machinery (with proper training)
• Field preparation

3. Poultry Processing (Seasonal)

• Work in poultry factories
• Packaging poultry products
• Pre-holiday season roles (particularly active November to December)

Visa Duration and Limitations:

• Valid for up to 6 months within a 12-month period
• Not renewable or extendable
• Cannot switch to another visa category within the UK
• Must leave the UK once the visa expires

You Can:

• Work only in the job listed in your Certificate of Sponsorship
• Travel within the UK during your visa validity

You Cannot:

• Work a second job or switch employers
• Apply for public benefits
• Bring family members
• Apply for permanent residency (settlement)

Documents Required:

• Valid passport with at least one blank page
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved UK employer
• Proof of personal savings (e.g., bank statements)
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
• Details of travel history
• Accommodation details (if not provided by the employer)

Financial Requirements:

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have an adequate amount of funds to sustain themselves during their time in the United Kingdom. This typically implies that you have investment funds in your bank account for a minimum number of days, with some of them having been recently applied.

Nevertheless, you will be exempt from providing substantiation of funds if your manager agrees to cover your costs and notifies you of this in your CoS.

How to Apply for UK Seasonal Work Visa 2025?

Step 1: Find a Licensed Sponsor

Visit the Register of Licensed Sponsors to find employers authorized to hire seasonal workers.

Step 2: Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once hired, your employer will issue a CoS, which includes:

• Job details
• Salary
• Duration of employment
• Sponsor license number

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Collect all required documents (passport, financial proof, medical test results).

Step 4: Complete the Online Visa Application

Apply on the official UK visa application website.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee and Healthcare Surcharge

• Visa fee: Approx. £259
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 (subject to change)

Step 6: Book a Biometric Appointment

Attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Visa processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your location.

Sample Timeline:

Benefits:

1. Legal Employment in the UK

• Provides legal authorization to work in specific seasonal roles (mainly in horticulture like fruit, vegetable, or flower picking).
• Employers must be approved sponsors by the UK government.

2. Earn Competitive Wages

• Seasonal workers are usually paid at least the UK minimum wage, currently:
  • £11.44/hour (as of April 2024, for workers 21+)
• Many jobs offer overtime, bonuses, and accommodation, increasing potential savings.

3. Short-Term Work Opportunity

• The visa allows you to work for up to 6 months, making it suitable for:
  • Students on break
  • Workers seeking international experience
  • Those wanting to earn abroad without a long-term commitment

4. Gain International Work Experience

• Valuable experience working in the UK agriculture/horticulture industry.
• Can boost your resume for future job or visa applications elsewhere.

5. No Academic or English Language Requirements

• Unlike other UK work visas, the Seasonal Worker Visa:
  • Does not require a degree or English test
  • Is open to unskilled or semi-skilled workers

6. Support from Approved Sponsors

• Employers (or recruitment agencies) often:
  • Provide accommodation or help arrange it
  • Offer local transport and meals
  • Guide you through visa paperwork

7. Low Visa Cost and Fast Processing

• Visa application fee: £298 (as of 2024)
• Applications are processed quickly (usually within 3 weeks)
• Health surcharge is not required, unlike other UK work visas

8. Opportunity to Return in Future Seasons

• Some returning workers are invited back annually
• Good performance can help you qualify for future job offers or long-term visas

9. Safe, Regulated Work Environment

• Work is regulated by UK labor laws, ensuring:
  • Fair pay
  • Safe working conditions
  • Legal recourse for disputes

Considerations:

Final Thoughts:

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2025 is a valuable opportunity for short-term employment in agriculture and food production sectors. While it doesn’t lead to permanent residency, it offers a stepping stone for those looking to gain international work experience, earn in British pounds, and support seasonal labor needs in the UK economy.

Frequently Asked Questions: