UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2024 Guide

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is a transitory work permit that does not result in long-term residency. Temporary Workers are permitted to work in the poultry and horticultural industries with this visa. Fruit , vegetable or flower picking is included in the horticultural industry.

There is an annual cap on the UK Seasonal Worker route. The quota is 47,000 for 2024. of which 2,000 are set aside for poultry and 45,000 for horticulture. The UK government sets the quota (Source). The UK Seasonal Program has been extended for a total of five years, ending in 2029.

Anyone from anywhere in the globe may apply for a seasonal worker visa. The Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5) has been replaced by this one. There are no additional requirements for the seasonal visa. However, you have enough cash to live comfortably.

Generally speaking, you’ll need to have at least £1,270 on hand. A worker must receive a job offer from the sponsor, who is an authorized scheme operator, prior to filing for a visa. Below are further specifics regarding the application process, prerequisites, and fields that qualify for a visa.

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)

Roles Eligible for the Poultry and Horticulture Sectors
Sector of Horticulture

 

• Vegetables cultivated in glasshouse systems are considered protected.
• Field vegetables are those that are cultivated outside, such as potatoes, leafy green salads, herbs, and vegetables.
• Soft fruit is defined as fruit that is produced outside or indoors, such as in polytunnels or glasshouses. consists of blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, and strawberries.
• Orchard fruit, or top fruit, are fruit-bearing trees such as cherries, apricots, plums, and apples.
  fungi
• Both indoors and outdoors, bulbs and cut flowers, like daffodils, are grown
  Potted plants include poinsettias, germaniums, violas, pansies, and other seasonal bedding plants.
• Durable decorative nursery stock, including evergreens, shrubs, roses, ornamental trees, and perennials
• Nurseries for trees and forests

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)

How long can you stay and when can you apply?

 

• For Horticultural Work (You are welcome to come and work whenever in the UK)
  Maximum Stay: half a year
• Seasonal worker visas for horticulture can be applied for at any time of the year.
• For employment involving poultry (You can work from October 18 to December 31 annually)
• Every year by November 15th, you can apply for a Seasonal Worker visa for poultry.

The requirements and eligibility for a UK seasonal worker visa

Age requirement: 18 years old.

• Available to all nations.
• Together with the details of the position you have been given, you need to present a certificate of
• sponsorship from the UK employer.
• One document that you will receive from your UK Sponsor is the certificate of sponsorship.
• Once you get the Certificate of Sponsorship, you have three months to apply for a seasonal employment visa.
• A sponsorship letter is something that many UK companies and employment agencies will provide you with.

• 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

Sponsors Approved by the UK Home Office

The List of Entities Authorized to Sponsor Workers is available for the Worker and Temporary Worker immigration pathways.  Here is a List of Sponsors.

Visa Cost

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

UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2024 Guide

Required Documents

• Proof of Job
• A valid passport
• The CoS reference number is given by your sponsor.
• Bank statements

How can I apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa in the UK online?

 

• Step 1 (Find a Job): You must locate employment and obtain a current offer of employment from a UK-approved employer.
• Step 2: Visit the UK Government’s Visas and Immigration website to submit an online application. https://www.gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa is the link.
• Step 3: Schedule an appointment and pay the application fee online.  Find a visa application center” on GOV.UK,
• Step 4: You must present your passport and provide biometric information.
• Step 5: Await the decision on your visa.

Processing Time

Typically, the UK Work Visa processing period lasts between three and four weeks. After submitting your online application, you should receive a decision regarding your visa in three weeks.

Useful and Helpful Links

• Guide on Seasonal Workers and Hiring Seasonal Workers
• Overview of a Seasonal Worker