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.
Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
A Seasonal Worker Visa is a type of Temporary Work Visa.
Temporary Work Visas are designed to allow work that is needed on a temporary basis only. e.g., in the case of the Seasonal Worker Visa. Seasonal farming work, allowing workers to come and complete the work for the required period.
Anyone can apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa if they qualify.
Types of Work:
- Horticulture: Harvesting, packing, and processing of fruit and vegetables, and other general farm duties.
Poultry Production: This visa category permits workers to carry out poultry processing tasks for a defined period, from October 2nd through December 31st.
Seasonal Worker Visa Requirements
You can submit an application for a Seasonal Worker Visa if you meet the following requirements:
- You must have a job offer from a UK approved sponsor.
- You must meet the job’s qualifications and skills requirements.
- You must meet the English language proficiency requirement.
- You must meet the financial requirement. You ought to be of good character and good health.
To start the Seasonal Worker Visa Process please click below.
Start ApplicationWhat is a Seasonal Worker Visa?
A seasonal worker visa is a type of visa that allows foreign workers to come to the UK to work in seasonal jobs, e.g., horticulture or poultry farming. Seasonal worker visas are only for a duration of 6 months, and they do not lead to settlement in the UK.
Who can apply 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)
- Have a valid passport
- Have 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 2 types of seasonal work that you can apply for: Horticulture work and Poultry work.
Horticulture
Horticultural 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.
- Pest and disease management.
- Harvesting of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
- Landscaping design and maintenance.
- Propagating new plants.
- Conducting research on plant growth and development.
Horticulture is a diverse and rewarding career with many opportunities for employment and advancement. It is a great career for those who like to work 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 2 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 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.