UK Seasonal Worker Visa – Apply Now for Farming & Harvest Jobs with Visa Support (£10+/hr)
If you’re looking for a reliable way to work legally in the United Kingdom, gain valuable international experience, and earn a steady income, the UK Seasonal Worker Visa offers a straightforward path.
This visa allows foreign workers to temporarily work in the UK’s agricultural sector particularly in farming, horticulture, and food production for up to 6 months at a time.
In 2025, the demand for seasonal farm labour is stronger than ever, and hundreds of UK farms are actively recruiting international workers with visa sponsorship, basic training, and accommodation assistance.
What Is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is a temporary visa route under the broader Temporary Work visa category. It enables foreign nationals to work in the edible horticulture sector — this includes jobs related to the growing and harvesting of fruits, vegetables, salads, and flowers in farms, greenhouses, and fields across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Key facts about this visa:
- It allows up to 6 months of work per calendar year
- It is tied to specific job roles provided by licensed UK sponsors
- It requires a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a registered scheme operator
- It is a non-permanent visa, meaning you must leave the UK when your job ends
Why the UK Needs Seasonal Workers
The UK has long relied on seasonal labour to meet agricultural demands — particularly during the spring and summer harvest months. With fewer domestic workers available to take on physically intensive roles in rural areas, the government continues to support visa schemes that bring in workers from overseas.
Farmers, greenhouses, and food packhouses depend heavily on international workers to ensure food production remains consistent — especially for time-sensitive crops like berries, apples, lettuces, and tomatoes.
Key Benefits of the UK Seasonal Worker Visa
This visa offers a number of practical advantages:
- Legal employment in the UK for up to 6 months
- Competitive pay, starting from £10.42/hour (UK minimum wage)
- Overtime pay and bonuses available at some farms
- Many employers provide subsidised accommodation
- No degree or prior experience required
- No English language test necessary
- Work in a safe, supervised environment
- Gain international work experience for your CV
- Option to return for future seasons
What Kind of Jobs Are Available?
The majority of jobs fall within horticulture and agriculture. These include:
- Fruit Picking
- Handpicking fruits like apples, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and cherries
- Working outdoors in rows of fields or inside greenhouses
- Sorting good quality fruit from damaged or unripe ones
- Using buckets, ladders, or crates to collect produce
- Vegetable Harvesting
- Pulling and bundling crops like carrots, cabbages, potatoes, onions, and courgettes
- Cutting produce from roots or stalks
- Washing and trimming vegetables before packaging
- Ensuring vegetables meet quality standards
- Greenhouse Work
- Pruning and maintaining plants
- Pollination of crops like tomatoes or cucumbers
- Monitoring temperature and humidity
- Pest control and watering systems
- Packhouse and Sorting
- Grading fruits and vegetables by size, colour, and weight
- Packaging produce into retail-ready boxes
- Labelling and sealing containers
- Loading packed goods for transportation
These jobs are usually full-time (30–60 hours per week), sometimes with weekend shifts depending on the harvest calendar and weather.
What’s Expected of You
While each role has its specific tasks, most seasonal jobs include:
- Following safety and hygiene protocols
- Working quickly and efficiently to meet targets
- Cooperating with supervisors and team leaders
- Maintaining the cleanliness of tools and work areas
- Adapting to UK weather (sun, rain, wind — often all in one day)
- Being flexible with shift timings, especially during peak harvests
Most farms provide basic training on arrival. What they look for most is reliability, physical fitness, and willingness to work outdoors.
Eligibility Requirements for the Seasonal Worker Visa (2025)
You do not need formal education, work experience, or English skills to qualify. However, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a UK licensed scheme operator
- Be applying from outside the UK
- Have at least £1,270 in available funds (unless your employer covers this)
- Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Pass a tuberculosis test (if applicable in your country)
Approved Scheme Operators (Sponsors)
These licensed organisations are authorised by the UK Government to sponsor seasonal workers and place them on UK farms:
- AG Recruitment & Management Ltd
- Concordia UK Ltd
- Pro-Force Ltd
- HOPS Labour Solutions
- Fruitful Jobs Ltd
- RE People Ltd
- AB Recruitment Ltd
You must apply directly to one of these operators. If successful, they will match you with a job and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which you’ll use to apply for your visa.
How to Apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa – Step by Step
Step 1: Apply to an Approved Scheme Operator
Visit the websites of the licensed recruiters. Submit your application along with:
- Basic personal information
- Your CV or work background (if requested)
- Passport copy
- Your available work dates and physical fitness confirmation
If successful, the scheme operator will issue your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
To apply for the visa, you will need:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Passport
- Bank statement showing £1,270+ in savings (unless covered by employer)
- TB test certificate (if required)
- Visa application fee: £298
Step 3: Apply for Your Visa Online
Go to the official UK Government visa portal and complete the Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker visa form. Pay the visa fee and book your biometrics appointment.
Step 4: Attend a Visa Application Centre
You will provide your fingerprints and photo, and submit your passport and documents. This can usually be done at your local TLScontact or VFS Global centre.
Step 5: Get Your Decision and Travel
If approved, your visa is valid for up to 6 months. Your sponsor will send details about:
- Your assigned farm
- Travel guidance
- Accommodation
- What to pack for arrival
How Much Will You Earn?
All seasonal workers are paid at least the UK national minimum wage:
- £10.42/hour (as of April 2025)
- Many roles offer overtime at £13–£15/hour
- Some jobs pay by performance (e.g., piece rate for picking)
- Accommodation may be provided and deducted from your wages (often around £50–£65/week)
On average, seasonal workers earn between £1,300 and £1,800/month, depending on hours and productivity.
Important Limitations
- This visa does not provide a path to permanent residency
- You cannot switch to another visa category from inside the UK
- You cannot bring dependents or access public funds
- You must leave the UK at the end of your job contract
However, you may apply again the following year if eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience?
No, most farms hire first-time workers. Training is provided.
Is accommodation guaranteed?
Most farms provide housing, but costs vary. Some charge weekly rent, others provide it free.
Can I move to another job in the UK?
No. You must work only for the sponsor/employer listed in your Certificate of Sponsorship.
When is the best time to apply?
Recruitment begins as early as January for spring/summer roles. Apply early to increase your chances.
What if I get sick during the job?
You’re entitled to basic UK labour protections, and some employers provide health insurance. Contact your sponsor immediately if you’re unwell.
Conclusion
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is one of the easiest and fastest ways to work legally in the UK. With visa support, on-the-job training, and competitive wages starting at over £10 per hour, it’s a solid opportunity for individuals willing to do physical, honest work in farming and food production.
Whether you’re seeking to support your family, gain global work experience, or save money in a short time, this visa offers a safe and structured route. But demand is high, and places are limited, so apply as soon as recruitment opens.