Seasonal Worker Visa UK Guide 2025

Section A: What is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is a temporary visa allowing foreign nationals to work in certain sectors in the UK for a limited period. It is one of a number of temporary work visas currently available to foreign workers and replaced the previous Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5) under the UK’s Immigration Rules. Appendix Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker of the Rules sets out the different requirements for this visa. The route operates through approved scheme operators who hold the sponsor licence and place workers with growers or producers, rather than individual employers holding a Seasonal Worker sponsor licence.

There are two different types of Seasonal Worker visa in the UK: one for working within the UK’s horticulture sector and one for working within the UK’s poultry production sector. The most common roles under this visa are related to fruit and vegetable picking, packing and processing as well as other farm-related tasks.

The Seasonal Worker route is subject to an annual quota. For 2026, the overall allocation is 42,900 places, with 41,000 available to the horticulture sector and 1,900 for poultry (compared with 43,000 horticulture places and 2,000 poultry production in 2025).

The Seasonal Worker visa has become business-critical for UK industries that rely on seasonal workers to meet production needs during peak periods, ensuring that these businesses can continue to operate and meet market demand. It is, however, only available to employers that are approved scheme operators with a valid sponsor licence for the Seasonal Worker route.

Importantly, this visa is temporary and does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or long-term employment in the UK. Workers are expected to return to their home countries once their visa expires, and they may reapply for a new visa in subsequent seasons if they meet the eligibility requirements. For decisions made on or after 11 November 2025, time on this route is limited to a maximum of 6 months’ work in any rolling 10-month period. Previously the cap operated over a rolling 12-month period.

1. Seasonal Worker Visa for the Horticulture Sector

The Seasonal Worker visa in the UK’s horticulture sector is for overseas nationals aged 18 or over to come to the UK for up to 6 months in any rolling 10-month period to work, for example, picking flowers or fruit and vegetables. There is no set timeframe within which migrants can come to work for their UK sponsors, where individuals can apply and travel to come to the UK any time of the year.

The type of work that can be undertaken in the horticulture sector includes roles relating to:

2. Seasonal Worker Visa for the Poultry Production Sector

The Seasonal Worker visa in the UK’s poultry production sector is for overseas nationals aged 18 or over to work in the UK as a poultry seasonal worker, but only between 2 October and 31 December of the same year. These dates represent the busy and peak periods in the poultry production sector during and over Christmas.

Poultry Seasonal Worker applications must be submitted on or before 15 November, and work is limited to 2 Oct–31 December of the same year.

The type of work that can be undertaken in the poultry production sector includes:

Section B: Seasonal Worker Visa Eligibility Criteria

Strict eligibility criteria apply for Seasonal Worker visa applicants and employers.

1. Employer Requirements

Only approved scheme operators are licensed by the UK Home Office to sponsor seasonal workers under this visa category. Individual growers or producers cannot hold a Seasonal Worker sponsor licence but can host workers who are placed with them through these approved operators.

Scheme operators must be A-rated Home Office sponsors and must hold:

a. Endorsement from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to operate as an approved scheme operator under the Seasonal Worker route, and
b. A licence from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).

The role must pay at least the required rate and comply with UK visa rules on working hours. The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee for Temporary Worker routes, including the Seasonal Worker route, is £55. Sponsors are prohibited from passing on the cost of the CoS or licence fees to workers. The Home Office will normally revoke a licence if a sponsor recoups any part of the sponsor licence fee/administrative costs from a Seasonal Worker.

For poultry butchers and dressers (SOC 5431 and 5433), sponsors must confirm pay of at least £15.88 per hour and a pro-rated annual equivalent of £38,700, based on a 48-hour maximum week. For all other horticulture and poultry roles (SOC 8111, 9111, 9119, 9132), sponsors must confirm a minimum of 32 paid hours per week and at least £12.21 per hour.

Only guaranteed basic gross pay counts toward these thresholds (no allowances/benefits), and for poultry butchers/dressers the £38,700 is assessed up to 48 hours/week.

Scheme operators must give workers an employment contract in English and in the worker’s first language and these must not be zero-hours contracts.

When assigning a CoS to a Seasonal Worker, sponsors have to satisfy themselves that the worker was not in the UK as a Seasonal Worker during the 4-month period immediately before the date of application.

2. Seasonal Worker Requirements

To obtain a Seasonal Worker visa, the applicant must be aged 18 or over. There is no upper age limit specified for this visa, but applicants should be physically capable of performing the tasks required in their job role, which can often be demanding.

Applicants will need to have been assigned a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by their employer for a role that qualifies under the visa conditions. The CoS must confirm that they are being sponsored on the Seasonal Worker route and include key details such as job title, duties, SOC 2020 code, employment location, start and end dates, weekly hours, salary, and whether the sponsor certifies maintenance.

Applicants supported by a CoS assigned on or after 11 November 2025 must not have been in the UK as a Seasonal Worker during the 4-month period immediately before the date of application.

The applicant must also have enough money to support themselves on arrival in the UK. To meet the financial requirement, the applicant should show funds of at least £1,270, held in their bank account for at least 28 days in a row, with day 28 falling within 31 days of applying. Alternatively, the sponsor can agree to certify maintenance on the CoS by completing the “sponsor certifies maintenance” section under “Additional data”.

Applicants are assessed on character and suitability under the Immigration Rules. Criminal record certificates are not routinely required for this route but may be requested depending on role and/or country background.

Section C: Seasonal Worker Visa Application Process

To apply for a Seasonal Worker visa, an application must be made online from outside the UK on the Home Office website. Applications cannot be made from inside the UK, as it is not possible to switch into this route.

1. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Seasonal Worker Visa

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before starting the application, ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, including age, job offer, and health and character requirements.

Step 2: Obtain a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship

Secure a job offer from a licensed UK scheme operator. The operator will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship, a unique reference number that you will need for your visa application.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Gather all the necessary documents, including your passport, CoS, proof of funds (if required), and any additional documents such as health certificates or criminal record checks.

Step 4: Complete the Online Visa Application Form

Go to the UK government’s official visa application website and fill out the Seasonal Worker Visa application form. You will need to enter your personal details, passport information, CoS number, and information about your job in the UK. After completing the form, you will be prompted to pay the application fee of £319. Payment can be made online using a debit or credit card.

Step 5: Verify Your Identity

As part of the visa application, you will need to prove your identity, either using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or by attending an appointment at an overseas visa application centre. You will be advised of your options when you make your application. If you are required to attend a VAC, you will need to enrol your biometric information at this appointment, including fingerprints and a photograph. You will also need to take your passport or travel document, as well as any other documents needed in support of your application.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

After verifying your identity and uploading your documents, submit your application online.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Once your application is submitted, you will need to wait for a decision from UK Visas and Immigration. You can track the progress of your application online.

2. Required Documents

To apply for a Seasonal Worker visa, you will need to provide a number of supporting documents, including a valid passport or other travel document to prove your identity. You will need a blank page in your passport or space in your travel document for the visa.

You will also need proof of funds to show that you meet the financial requirement, such as recent bank statements, unless your sponsor is prepared to certify maintenance up to the amount of £1,270 on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

In some cases, the caseworker deciding the application may request additional documentation depending on the circumstances. For any documents not in English or Welsh, apart from your passport, a certified translation will be needed.

3. Seasonal Worker Visa Application Cost

The fee for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa application is £319. Payment is required when making the application using the online payment portal. Applicants are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, as this visa is issued for a stay of less than six months.

4. Seasonal Worker Visa Processing Time

Once you have verified your identity, provided your supporting documents and enrolled your biometric information, it will usually take up to three weeks for a decision to be made. If you are applying for a visa through a visa application centre, you may be able to pay for a faster decision, depending on where you are applying from. You will be advised on the availability of fast-tracked processing when making your application.

While waiting for a decision, you can track the status of your application online. Once your visa is approved, you will receive either a vignette (a visa sticker in your passport) or a digital eVisa under the UK’s new digital visa system. Guidance used by sector bodies indicates entry is typically up to 2 weeks before the CoS start date.

5. Extending a Seasonal Worker Visa

The Seasonal Worker visa cannot be extended. If working within the horticulture sector, you can stay in the UK for a maximum of six months in any rolling 10-month period if your visa decision was made on or after 11 November 2025. If you will be working within the poultry production sector, you can only work between 2 October and 31 December inclusive each year.

You will need to leave the UK when your visa expires. If you wish to work again under the scheme in a future season, you can apply for a new visa provided you meet the eligibility rules and the time limits for the route.

Section D: Seasonal Workers’ Rights and Responsibilities

Seasonal workers in the UK are entitled to a range of rights and protections designed to ensure fair treatment and safe working conditions during their employment.

1. Legal Working Hours

Seasonal workers in the UK are subject to the same working time regulations as other employees under UK employment law. This includes:

a. Maximum Working Hours Workers cannot be required to work more than 48 hours per week on average unless they voluntarily opt out of this limit. This average is usually calculated over a 17-week period.

b. Overtime Any overtime work must be voluntary and paid according to the employment contract. Employers cannot require workers to work beyond the agreed hours without proper compensation.

c. Rest Breaks Workers are entitled to a minimum of 20 minutes’ rest during any working day that exceeds six hours. There should also be 11 consecutive hours of rest between each working day.

d. Weekly Rest Period Workers are entitled to at least one full day off per week or two full days off per fortnight.

2. Workers’ Rights

Seasonal workers in the UK are entitled to several key rights that protect their wellbeing and ensure fair treatment. These include pay, rest, and protection from exploitation.

Seasonal workers are entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage depending on age. The National Living Wage applies to workers aged 21 and over. In addition, for poultry butchers and dressers (SOC 5431 and 5433), pay must be at least £15.88 per hour with a pro-rated annual equivalent of £38,700, based on a 48-hour maximum working week. For all other horticulture and poultry roles (SOC 8111, 9111, 9119 and 9132), pay must be at least £12.21 per hour with a minimum of 32 paid hours per week. Zero-hours contracts are not permitted, and employment contracts must be issued both in English and in the worker’s first language.

Employers are required by law to provide a safe working environment. This includes training on the use of equipment, adherence to health and safety standards, and provision of any necessary personal protective equipment. Unsafe conditions should be reported to the employer or to the relevant enforcement body.

Seasonal workers are entitled to the same holiday pay rights as other UK workers, which is a minimum of 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year. Holiday leave is calculated based on employment duration and accrues at approximately 12.07% of hours worked. Holiday pay may be taken during employment or paid at the end of the contract.

If a seasonal worker falls ill, they may qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they meet eligibility conditions such as having worked long enough and earning above the lower earnings limit.

All workers in the UK are protected from discrimination on the grounds of characteristics such as race, sex, religion, or age. Seasonal workers have the right to work in an environment free from harassment and unfair treatment.

3. Workers’ Obligations

Seasonal workers must comply with the conditions of their visa, which include:

a. Leaving the UK on Visa Expiry Workers are required to leave the UK before their visa expires. To stay longer, they would need to leave the UK and apply for a new visa under a different category. For example, a Skilled Worker visa requires a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor at the appropriate skill and salary level.

b. No Additional Work Seasonal workers cannot take up permanent employment in the UK under this visa or work in any job other than that stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship. Transfers are within the same scheme operator; operators should maintain a clear employer-transfer pathway.

c. No Dependants Seasonal workers are not permitted to bring dependants with them. Family members would need to apply separately under another visa route.

4. Employer Obligations

Employers that host seasonal workers through an approved scheme operator are required to follow all relevant UK employment and immigration laws. The scheme operator holds the Home Office licence and has direct responsibility for assigning Certificates of Sponsorship and ensuring compliance, but the growers or producers who employ the workers on site must also meet their legal duties.
Scheme operators must hold a valid A-rated sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. For every worker they place, a Certificate of Sponsorship has to be assigned confirming the job title, main duties, work location, pay, and employment period. This record forms the basis of the worker’s visa permission and needs to remain accurate throughout the placement.

Each worker must receive a written employment contract in both English and their first language. The contract should clearly set out the rate of pay, working hours, accommodation arrangements, and any deductions that will be made. These terms have to comply fully with UK employment legislation and the conditions of the Seasonal Worker route.

Where accommodation is provided, it should meet the standards set by the local authority and be safe, suitable, and properly maintained. Any deductions from pay for accommodation must be reasonable, clearly shown on pay slips, and within the limits allowed under wage legislation.

Employers must make sure workers are not required to work excessive hours and that they receive appropriate breaks, rest periods, and days off. Health and safety obligations apply in the same way as for all other UK employees, including the provision of suitable protective equipment and training for the work being carried out.

Employers must also comply with immigration control requirements. They cannot continue to employ a seasonal worker after their visa expires, and they must notify the Home Office if a worker fails to start employment, leaves early, or if there are any significant changes to the job described on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Finally, employers are required to issue detailed pay slips for every pay period. These must clearly state the worker’s gross pay, hours worked, deductions made, and any accommodation charges. Accurate and transparent record keeping helps ensure that both employers and scheme operators remain compliant with wage regulations and Home Office reporting standards.

Section E: Summary

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa provides a short-term solution for employers facing peak labour shortages in the horticulture and poultry sectors. It allows overseas nationals aged 18 or over to work in the UK on temporary contracts, typically in roles such as fruit or vegetable picking, packing, and poultry processing. The scheme is run through approved scheme operators who hold Home Office sponsor licences, and not directly by individual growers or producers.

Workers can stay for up to six months within any rolling 10-month period for decisions made on or after 11 November 2025, or from 2 October to 31 December in the case of poultry production. There is no route to permanent residence, and applicants are required to leave the UK when their visa expires, although reapplication in future seasons is possible.

Pay rates and hours are strictly regulated, with minimum hourly rates and guaranteed weekly hours for all roles. Zero-hours contracts are prohibited, and contracts must be issued in both English and the worker’s first language. Employers must also ensure that workers receive safe, lawful working conditions and are paid at least the National Minimum Wage or higher route-specific rates.

While the visa helps fill immediate workforce gaps, it requires careful compliance. Only DEFRA-endorsed, GLAA-licensed scheme operators can sponsor workers, and they are prohibited from recovering sponsorship costs from applicants. Both employers and workers must therefore understand their respective legal responsibilities to avoid breaches that could lead to visa refusal, licence action or enforcement penalties.

Section F: Need Assistance?

For expert guidance on the Seasonal Worker visa, contact our UK immigration specialists.

Section G: Seasonal Worker Visa FAQs

What is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is a temporary visa that allows overseas nationals to work in the UK in specific seasonal roles, primarily within the agriculture, horticulture and poultry production sectors. The visa helps employers meet workforce demand during peak periods.

Who is eligible to apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid job offer from a Home Office-licensed scheme operator, meet health and character requirements and hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for a qualifying role. There is no nationality restriction for this route.

How long can I stay in the UK with a Seasonal Worker Visa?

If you are working in the horticulture sector, you can stay in the UK for up to six months in any rolling 10-month period, for visa decisions made on or after 11 November 2025. Poultry workers can work in the UK between 2 October and 31 December of the same year.

Can I extend my Seasonal Worker Visa?

The Seasonal Worker Visa cannot be extended. When your visa expires, you are required to leave the UK. You can apply again in a future season if you meet the eligibility rules and are within the time limit of six months’ work in any 10-month period.

Can I bring my family with me on the Seasonal Worker Visa?

No. The Seasonal Worker Visa does not allow dependants to accompany you. Family members who wish to come to the UK would need to apply under a different visa route.

Do I need a job offer before applying for the visa?

Yes. You must have a valid job offer from an approved scheme operator who holds a Home Office sponsor licence. Your employer will assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is required to apply for your visa.

How much does the Seasonal Worker Visa cost?

The Seasonal Worker Visa application fee is £319. Applicants are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, as the visa is issued for less than six months.

What documents do I need to apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa?

You will need your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of funds (if your sponsor has not certified maintenance), and, if applicable, tuberculosis and criminal record certificates. Additional documents may be requested by UKVI depending on your circumstances.

How long does it take to process the Seasonal Worker Visa?

Applications usually take up to three weeks to process once biometric data and documents have been submitted. Some visa application centres offer a paid priority service for faster processing, depending on location.

Can I switch employers while on a Seasonal Worker Visa?

You cannot freely switch employers under this visa. You are only permitted to work for the employer named on your Certificate of Sponsorship. However, transfers between growers may be possible within the same scheme operator if reasonable.

What rights do I have as a Seasonal Worker in the UK?

You are entitled to the same basic employment rights as UK workers, including the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, paid holiday, rest breaks, and protection from discrimination. Your accommodation, if provided, must meet legal standards.

What happens if my visa application is refused?

If your visa is refused, you will receive a refusal notice explaining the reasons. You may be able to request an administrative review or reapply, addressing any issues raised by the Home Office in the refusal decision.

Can I reapply for a Seasonal Worker Visa in the future?

You can apply for another Seasonal Worker Visa in a later season as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and do not exceed the six-month limit in any rolling 10-month period.

What should I do if I have a problem with my employer?

If you face issues such as unsafe conditions, withheld pay, or unfair treatment, you can report these to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). Seasonal workers are protected by UK employment law, even while on temporary visas.

Section H: Glossary

Section I: Additional Resources & Links