UK Seasonal Visa Process 2024 (Temporary Work Visa)

The UK Seasonal Visa is a short-term 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. A total of 47,000 seasonal visa quotas were set for 2023. Out of which 45,000 places for horticulture and 2,000 places for poultry. I am here to guide you through the UK Seasonal Visa Process.

The seasonal worker visa is open to anyone from around the world. Workers sponsored on the Seasonal Worker route cannot apply for an extension of stay. 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. More details are given below.

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: Italy Seasonal Work Visa 2024: Guide to the Application Process

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, blueberries, and all ribes and rubus species
• Top fruit (orchard fruit) – trees that bear fruit e.g. apples, plums, cherries, apricots
• Mushrooms – typically cover Agaricus bisporus species but can also include more exotic species; normally grown indoors
• 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)

Also Check: UK Skilled Worker Visa Process 2024 (Tier 2 Visa)

Who can Apply?

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is open to anyone with age above 18 years old from all countries. You have to apply online.

UK Seasonal Worker Visa Cost

The Visa cost for the UK Seasonal Work Visa is £298 for all countries. You have to pay the application fee online.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be 18 years old.
• Open to all the countries.
• You must have a certificate of sponsorship from the employer in the UK.
• The certificate of sponsorship is a document that you will receive from your UK Sponsor.
• 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 your accommodation, meals, and benefits that must be written on the Letter.
• Your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage
• You must have a Job offer.

Also Check: Malta Work Visa Process 2024 (Types of Permits, Requirements)

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): First, you need to Find a Job and have a valid job offer from the UK 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

The Official Link to the UK seasonal work Visa website is given below. You can apply for the Visa online.

What You are not allowed to do on a seasonal visa?

• You can not take a permanent job.
• You can not work in a second job or a job that isn’t described in your certificate of sponsorship.
• You can not get public funds
• You can not bring family members with you