UK Government Extends Seasonal Work Visa Program

The UK Government has extended the seasonal work visa program for five more years, now running until 2029. This extension includes an allocation of 43,000 visas for workers in the horticulture sector and 2,000 visas for the poultry sector. Foreigners looking to work in the UK during peak seasons can now consider obtaining sponsorship through the UK seasonal visa sponsorship.

What is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

The Seasonal Worker visa is a temporary visa that allows individuals with a job offer in the UK to work in the horticulture sector. It is valid for six months and includes work such as picking fruits and vegetables.

Eligibility for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa

To qualify for the Seasonal Worker visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be over 18 years old.
• Have a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK employer. This electronic document, provided by your sponsor, is valid for three months and can only be used once.
• Have at least £1,270 available for support, unless your sponsor covers this amount for the first month as specified in the CoS.
• Have a job in the horticulture sector.

Required Documents for a Seasonal Worker Visa Application

You will need the following documents to apply for a Seasonal Worker visa:

• A valid passport with a blank page for the visa.
• The CoS reference number from your sponsor.
• Bank statements or other proof of sufficient funds.

Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh.

How to Apply for a UK Seasonal Worker Visa

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Fill out the application form on the UK Government’s Visas and Immigration website.
2. Upload photographed and scanned documents online.
3. Pay a visa fee of £259.
4. Book an appointment with a visa application center.

Application Timeline and Fees

• Horticulture Seasonal Worker visas can be applied for year-round, while poultry visas must be applied for by November 15th annually.
• The application fee for a Temporary Work–Seasonal Worker Visa is £298.
• You must have at least £1,270 available for support, held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your application. This requirement is waived if your sponsor covers these costs for the first month.

Processing Time

Once you have applied online, verified your identity, and submitted your documents, you will usually receive a decision within three weeks.

Duration of the UK Seasonal Worker Visa

For successful applicants in the agricultural sector:

• The visa is valid for six months.
• You may enter the UK 14 days before the job start date on the CoS and stay up to 14 days after the job end date.

Companies That Sponsor Seasonal Visas

Companies sponsoring seasonal visas typically face labor shortages during peak seasons and include:

• Horticulture companies: Landscaping, gardening, and tree planting.
• Agricultural companies: Planting and harvesting crops.
• Food processing companies: Packing and packaging food products.

Pros and Cons of Being a Seasonal Worker in the UK

Pros:

• You can work as specified in your certificate of sponsorship.
• You can study during the visa's validity.
• Temporary employment is allowed.

Cons:

• Additional jobs outside your certificate of sponsorship are prohibited.
• You cannot access public funds.
• Bringing dependents is not permitted.
• Permanent settlement in the UK is not allowed.