Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
A Seasonal Worker Visa is a type of Temporary Work Visa. Temporary Work Visas are designed to enable work that is only needed on a short basis such as in the case of the Seasonal Worker Visa, seasonal farming work, allowing workers to come and complete the work for the required time frame. Anyone can apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa if they meet the requirements.
You are able to apply for a Horticulture Seasonal Worker Visa 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. You need to apply for poultry Seasonal Worker visas by 15 November each year. We advise applying as soon as you are able to avoid any delays and to have the best chance of ensuring your Temporary Work Visa is supplied in time.
Seasonal Worker Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a Seasonal Worker Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
- You must meet the skills and qualifications requirements for the job.
- You must meet the English language requirement.
- You must meet the financial requirement.
- You must be in good health and have no criminal record.
What is a Seasonal Worker Visa?
A seasonal worker visa is a type of visa that allows workers from other countries to come to the UK to work in seasonal jobs, such as horticulture or poultry production. Seasonal worker visas are valid for a maximum of six months, and they do not lead to settlement in the UK.
Who is eligible for a Seasonal Worker Visa?
To be eligible for a seasonal worker visa, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a job offer from a UK sponsor who is an approved scheme operator
- Have enough money to support yourself in the UK (usually £1,270)
- Meet the other eligibility requirements, such as having a valid passport and a medical certificate
Benefits of working in the UK on a seasonal worker visa
There are a number of benefits to working in the UK on a seasonal worker visa, including:
The opportunity to earn good wages
The experience of working in a foreign country
The chance to learn new skills and knowledge
The opportunity to meet people from all over the world
Seasonal Work Types
There are two types of seasonal work that you are able to apply for Horticulture and Poultry work.
Horticulture
Horticulture work is the cultivation of plants for food, ornamental, or medicinal purposes. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including:
- Planting, watering, and fertilizing plants
- Pruning and weeding plants
- Controlling pests and diseases
- Harvesting fruits, vegetables, and flowers
- Designing and maintaining landscapes
- Propagating new plants
- Conducting research on plant growth and development
Horticulture is a diverse and rewarding field that offers many opportunities for employment and advancement. It is a great choice for people who love working outdoors and who are interested in plants and the environment.
Poultry
Poultry work is the raising and care of poultry birds, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Poultry workers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Feeding and watering the birds
- Cleaning and maintaining the poultry houses
- Collecting eggs
- Monitoring the health of the birds
- vaccinating and treating diseases
- Slaughtering and processing the birds (in some cases)
Poultry workers can work in a variety of settings, including poultry farms, slaughterhouses, processing plants, hatcheries, and research institutions.
Processing time for a Seasonal Worker Visa
The processing time for a Seasonal Worker Visa will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are applying from. However, the UK government website states that the average processing time for a Seasonal Worker Visa is 3 weeks.
Some factors that can affect the processing time of your visa application include:
- The complexity of your application.
- The availability of staff at the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- The current demand for visas.
If you need your visa processed more quickly, you may be able to apply for a priority service. However, there is an additional fee for this service.
Seasonal Worker Visa Length
You can stay in the UK:
- up to 6 months for horticulture work
- from 18 October to 31 December each year for poultry work
You can enter the UK as soon as your visa is valid (up to 14 days before the start date of your job).
What to bring to your appointment
On the day of your appointment, you must bring the following documents with you:
- A valid passport
- Your Seasonal Worker Visa application form
- A copy of your job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK
- Proof of your skills and qualifications
- Proof of your English language proficiency
- Proof of financial support
- A medical certificate
- A police clearance certificate
Documents Required for Seasonal Worker Visa
The documents you need to submit for a Seasonal Worker Visa include:
- A valid passport
- A job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK
- Proof of your skills and qualifications
- Proof of your English language proficiency
- Proof of financial support
- A medical certificate
- A police clearance certificate
For detailed information on specific parts of the Seasonal Worker Visa Process, you can refer to the links in the table here to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us.
Other UK Visa Types
A Visa is required for any foreign national wishing to enter the United Kingdom to work on a non-permanent basis. If you do not need a Seasonal Worker Visa, you can choose from the following options instead:
Can you be rejected for a Seasonal Worker Visa?
Yes, you can be rejected for a seasonal worker visa. The most common reasons for rejection include:
- Not meeting the eligibility requirements, such as not having a job offer from an approved sponsor or not having enough money to support yourself in the UK.
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate information on the visa application form.
- Having a criminal record.
- Being a risk to public safety or national security.
If you are rejected for a seasonal worker visa, you will be given a written explanation of the reason for rejection. You may be able to appeal the decision, but this is a complex process and it is important to seek legal advice first.
People Also Asked
All UK Temporary Work Visas require approval from a UK sponsor, meaning Seasonal Worker Visas require a Certificate of Sponsorship.
As long as you fulfill the duties detailed by your Certificate of Sponsorship, you are permitted to study in the UK during your time in the UK.
You cannot work in a second job or a job that isn’t described in your certificate of sponsorship
You cannot bring family members with you as dependents on a Seasonal Worker Visa.
If you remain in the UK after your visa or Home Office permission has expired, you may be considered an overstayer. Overstaying can result in a blemished immigration record, impacting any future UK immigration applications.
The Seasonal Worker Visa does not lead directly to settlement or indefinite leave to remain.
Yes you can apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa as many times as you would like. Meaning you could apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa each year when the Seasonal Work is available.
No you cannot extend a Seasonal Worker Visa.
The application fee for a Seasonal Worker Visa is £298.