What is the Seasonal Worker Visa?
The Seasonal Worker Visa is a temporary visa designed to address short-term labor shortages in designated seasonal industries. It enables businesses in these sectors to sponsor migrant workers for a set period, typically up to six months.
Important Note: The Seasonal Worker Visa program is currently limited to specific sectors, primarily horticulture (fruit, vegetable, and flower picking) and poultry production (between October and December).
Who can apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa?
To be eligible for a Seasonal Worker Visa, you must generally meet the following criteria:
- Be a national of a country with an established Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme agreement with the UK
- Have a job offer from a registered sponsor employer in the UK for a specific seasonal role
- Meet the required skill level for the offered position
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay without relying on public funds
Additional criteria may apply depending on your specific circumstances.
What are the requirements?
The specific requirements for the Seasonal Worker Visa will vary depending on your nationality and the sponsoring employer. However, some general requirements often include:
- A valid passport
- A Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer
- Proof of your English language proficiency
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your Seasonal Worker visa application
How to apply for the Seasonal Worker visa?
The application process for the Seasonal Worker Visa can be completed online. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the horticulture or poultry sector.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship from your sponsor.
- Complete the online visa application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application and supporting documents to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Important Note: There are separate application deadlines depending on the sector. Applications for horticulture roles can be submitted throughout the year, while applications for poultry roles can only be submitted between October 15th and November 15th of each year.
How much does it cost?
The current application fee for a Seasonal Worker Visa is £150.
Additional fees may apply depending on your circumstances, such as the healthcare surcharge and priority service fees.
Refer to the UK government website for fees
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your Seasonal Worker visa application
How how long does it take to process?
It typically takes around 3 weeks to receive a decision from UKVI.
However, processing time can vary depending on individual circumstances.
What happens when the visa is issued?
Once your Seasonal Worker Visa is issued, you can travel to the UK and begin working for your sponsoring employer.
The visa is typically valid for up to 6 months for horticulture roles and from October to December for poultry roles.
Can the Seasonsal Worker visa be extended?
No, the Seasonal Worker Visa cannot be extended.
However, you may be eligible to return to the UK under a new Seasonal Worker Visa in a subsequent season, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements again.
Get in touch with us to learn how we can support your Seasonal Worker visa application