This visa route enables you to come to the UK and take up employment with an approved sponsor holding a valid sponsor licence to hire migrant workers for temporary roles. You must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK-based employer before applying for the visa.
The Certificate of Sponsorship will outline the nature of the job, your employer’s details, your own qualifications, the salary being offered, and the intended duration of your stay. These details will be assessed during the visa application process.
Under the Seasonal Worker Visa, the maximum duration of stay permitted in the UK is 6 months.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
According to the official visa guidance, the “edible horticulture” sector includes the cultivation of the following categories:
- Protected vegetables – vegetables grown in glasshouse or greenhouse systems
- Field vegetables – including outdoor-grown vegetables, herbs, leafy salads, and potatoes
- Soft fruit – such as strawberries, raspberries, currants, and blueberries, including all ribes and rubus species grown outdoors or under cover (e.g. polytunnels or glasshouses)
- Orchard fruit – including apples, plums, cherries, and apricots grown on trees
- Vines and bines – such as common hops and grapes
- Mushrooms
If you have expertise, experience, or formal training in the cultivation of the produce listed above, and you secure a relevant job offer in the sector, you may be eligible to apply under this visa route.
As per the UK Government’s official website, standard processing times are approximately 3 weeks. However, this timeframe may be extended if additional checks on your documents, eligibility, or credibility are required.
A core requirement for this visa is to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer licensed to sponsor seasonal workers. Your prospective employer must issue this certificate on your behalf. The CoS must have been assigned within three months prior to the date of your visa application.
Visa Duration and Entitlements:
Under the Seasonal Worker visa, the maximum period you may spend in the UK within any 12-month period is 6 months.
Your sponsoring employer may apply for a multiple entry Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) on your behalf. If granted, this will allow you to enter the UK multiple times within the year, provided the total time spent does not exceed 6 months.
You cannot extend your visa once it expires, nor can you switch to another visa route from within the UK.
Application Costs:
The application fee for the Seasonal Worker visa is £298 per person. Please note that this visa cannot be applied for from within the UK.
Applicants must have held at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 consecutive days prior to the application date to demonstrate they can support themselves financially while in the UK.
However, if your sponsor certifies on the Certificate of Sponsorship that they will cover your living expenses during your stay, you may be exempt from meeting this financial requirement.
10 Questions About the Seasonal Worker Visa
Yes, the Seasonal Worker Visa allows individuals to work in the UK for a limited period. It is specifically intended for seasonal roles in the agricultural sector.
For tailored guidance and support regarding the Seasonal Worker Visa process, please contact us directly.