The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is a short-term temporary work visa that does not lead to permanent settlement. This visa allows the Temporary Workers to work in the horticulture, and poultry sectors. The horticulture sector includes picking fruit and vegetables or flowers. The UK Seasonal Worker route is subject to an annual quota. For 2024, the quota is 47,000. Out of which 45,000 places for horticulture and 2,000 places for poultry. The quota is set by the UK Government (Source). The UK Seasonal Program is extended for five years, all the way until 2029.
The seasonal worker visa is open to anyone from around the world. This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5). The seasonal visa does not require any higher qualifications. But you have enough money to support yourself. You’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available. Before applying for a Visa, a worker must have a Job offer from the sponsor who is an approved scheme operator. More details about the Visa process, requirements, and the eligible fields are given below.
Details About UK Seasonal Worker Visa
- Job Country: UK
- Job Sector: Horticulture, Poultry
- Who can Apply: Open to all Countries
- Visa Type: Seasonal Worker Visa (Temporary Visa)
Also Check: Italian Work Visa Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
Eligible Roles for Horticulture, Poultry Sector
Horticulture Sector
- Protected vegetables – those grown in glasshouse systems
- Field vegetables – those grown outdoors, including vegetables, herbs, leafy salads, and potatoes
- Soft fruit – those grown outdoors or under cover e.g. in glasshouses or polytunnels. Includes strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, and blueberries.
- Top fruit (orchard fruit) – trees that bear fruit e.g. apples, plums, cherries, apricots
- Mushrooms
- Bulbs and cut flowers, such as daffodils, grown outdoors and indoors
- Pot plants, such as seasonal bedding plants like pansies, violas, germaniums, and poinsettias
- Hardy ornamental nursery stock such as Christmas trees, shrubs, roses, ornamental trees and perennials
- Tree and forest nurseries
Poultry production sector
- Butcher (occupation code 5431)
- Bird/game dresser (occupation code 5433)
- Killer and Plucker (occupation code 5433)
- Plucker (occupation code 5433)
- Poulterer (occupation code 5433)
- Poultry processor (occupation code 5433)
- Poultry sticker (occupation code 5433)
- Trusser (occupation code 5433)
- Food operative (occupation code 8111)
- Poultry catcher/handler (occupation code 9111)
- Poultry vaccinator (occupation code 9119)
- Poultry meat packer (occupation code 9134)
When you can Apply and how long you can Stay?
- For horticulture Work (Any time in the UK you can come and work)
- Maximum Stay: Six months
- You can apply for horticulture Seasonal Worker visas at any time of year.
- For poultry work (You can work from 18 October to 31 December each year)
- You can apply for poultry Seasonal Worker visas by 15 Nov each year.
Who Can Apply and the Requirements for a UK Seasonal Worker Visa
- You must be 18 years old.
- Open to all the countries.
- You must have a certificate of sponsorship from the UK employer with the information about the role you have been offered.
- The certificate of sponsorship is a document that you will receive from your UK Sponsor.
- You have to apply for the seasonal worker visa within 3 months after receiving the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Many UK recruitment agencies/companies in the UK will give you a sponsorship letter.
- You must have at least £1,270 available in your local account to support yourself in the first month after arriving in the UK. Unless your sponsor can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270.
- If your employer agrees to offer you accommodation and meals, then it must be written on the Letter.
- Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage
Can You Apply for a Seasonal Visa without a Job Offer?
No. You can not apply without a Job offer. For a Seasonal Worker Visa, you must have a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor.
UK Home Office Approved Sponsors
You can find the List of organizations licensed to sponsor workers on the Worker and Temporary Worker immigration routes. Here is a List of Sponsors.
If you don’t have a Job then you can apply for the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa. It is a Job search Visa.
Visa Cost
The Visa cost for the UK Seasonal Work Visa is £298 for all countries. You have to pay the application fee online.
Required Documents
- Proof of Job
- A valid passport
- The CoS reference number is given by your sponsor.
- Bank statements
How to Apply Online for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?
- Step 1 (Find a Job): You need to Find a Job and have a valid job offer from the UK-approved Employer.
- Step 2: You must apply online from the UK Government’s Visas and Immigration website. (Link: https://www.gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa)
- Step 3: Pay the Application Fee online and Book an appointment. You can Find a visa application center” on GOV.UK.
- Step 4: You need to provide Biometrics and submit your passport.
- Step 5: Wait for the Visa Decision.
Processing Time
The processing time for the UK Work Visa usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. Once you have applied online you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
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