UK Seasonal Worker Visa
Temporary employment in UK agriculture and horticulture sector
Seasonal Worker Visa Overview
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is designed for individuals seeking temporary employment opportunities in the agricultural and horticultural sectors. This specialized work visa permits foreign nationals to engage in short-term labor in the United Kingdom's fruit and vegetable production industries. The visa is issued for a period of six months, allowing workers to contribute to the UK's harvest season while gaining valuable international work experience.
This visa category specifically covers work in fruit and vegetable harvesting and processing. The scheme does not extend to poultry production, pork processing, or operations involving the transportation of food items in heavy goods vehicles. The visa provides a structured pathway for workers to enter the UK on a temporary basis with a confirmed employment arrangement already in place.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
Core Requirements
- •Age Requirement: Must be 18 years or older at the time of application
- •Certificate of Sponsorship: Require a valid CoS reference from your approved UK employer with three-month validity
- •Financial Proof: Demonstrate minimum funds of £1,270 available for 28 consecutive days
- •Employment Type: Confirmed position in horticulture sector (fruit and vegetable work)
Financial Support Options
You have flexibility in meeting the financial requirement. If your employer is willing to provide financial support, this can substitute your personal funds:
- ✓Your employer agrees to cover first-month living expenses (minimum £1,270)
- ✓Employer confirms this in the Certificate of Sponsorship documentation
- ✓You provide employer's bank statements demonstrating their financial capacity
Required Documentation
Identification Documents
- • Valid passport with blank visa page
- • Passport validity exceeding visa duration
- • Travel documents if applicable
Employment Verification
- • Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- • Employment contract with job details
- • Start date confirmation from employer
Financial Documents
- • Recent bank statements (28 days)
- • Savings account documentation
- • Employer financial support letter
Important: All documents not in English or Welsh must include certified professional translations. Translation certificates should accompany each translated document.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Complete Online Application Form
Access the UK Government's official visa application portal. Provide all personal information in English, including employment details and your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number. Complete all mandatory fields accurately.
Submit Required Documents
Upload all supporting documents through the online portal. Acceptable formats include PDF, JPG, PNG, and JPEG. Documents can be photographed or scanned copies. Ensure file quality is sufficient for verification purposes.
Pay Visa Fees
Process payment for the application fee (£259) online through the secure portal. Payment is required to proceed with your application. Keep your payment confirmation for record purposes.
Schedule Biometric Appointment
Book an appointment at an approved Visa Application Centre in your country. Biometric collection (fingerprints and photograph) is mandatory. Schedule the appointment during the online application process.
Attend Biometric Appointment
Present yourself at the scheduled appointment with original documentation. Provide fingerprints and allow photograph capture. You may be asked to submit additional documents or clarifications during this visit.
Processing Timeline
Standard Processing (Applied Outside UK)
Typically 3 weeks from biometric appointment for a decision
Extended Timeline
May extend to 4-6 weeks depending on security checks or additional documentation requirements
Early Entry Allowance
You may enter the UK up to 2 weeks before your employment start date while holding a valid visa
Visa Duration and Validity
Visa Validity Period
6 months from approval date
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Collect upon UK arrival within 10 days or by vignette expiration date
Extension Options
Extension not possible. You must return to home country after 6 months
Visa Costs and Fees
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | £259 |
| Total Cost | £259 |
Note: Healthcare surcharge does not apply to Seasonal Worker visa holders. The visa fee covers all processing costs and is non-refundable.
Working Conditions and Restrictions
You Can
- ✓Work in the agreed role with your sponsor as specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship
- ✓Engage in short-term study during periods not covered by work commitments
- ✓Travel outside the UK and return with valid visa
You Cannot
- ✗Secure permanent employment or long-term positions in the UK
- ✗Work in secondary employment unless explicitly approved in CoS
- ✗Access public funds or benefits during your stay
- ✗Bring family members or dependents to the UK
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Requirements
Upon arrival in the United Kingdom, you are required to obtain and collect your Biometric Residence Permit within a 10-day window. This permit serves as your official proof of legal status, identity verification, and immigration entitlements within UK territory.
If you applied inside the UK for a visa status change or extension, your BRP will be mailed directly to your registered address. For applications from outside the UK, collection must occur in person at the designated immigration office or post office within the specified timeframe.
Switching Visas
The Seasonal Worker visa is a terminal visa route. You cannot switch to this visa from another visa category already held within the UK.
If you wish to return to the UK after your seasonal work concludes, you must apply for an entirely new visa from outside the country through the standard application process.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Settlement or permanent residence cannot be achieved through the Seasonal Worker visa route. This is strictly a temporary work authorization with no pathways to long-term settlement.
To establish permanent residence in the UK, you would need to explore alternative visa categories with settlement provisions, such as Skilled Worker or family-based routes.
Key Points to Remember
- →Seasonal Worker visa is limited to 6 months with no extension options
- →Employment must be in horticulture sector (fruit/vegetable harvesting)
- →Minimum of £1,270 required or employer sponsorship for first month
- →No family members or dependents can accompany you
- →Processing typically takes 3 weeks from biometric appointment
- →This visa does not lead to permanent settlement in the UK