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The UK Seasonal Worker visa allows overseas workers to come to the UK for short-term employment in sectors such as horticulture and poultry production.
If you're looking for temporary work picking fruit, vegetables, flowers, or supporting poultry production during peak seasons, this visa route provides a structured and legal pathway.
In this guide, we explain eligibility, job types, application steps, and employer requirements in 2025.
What Is the Seasonal Worker Visa?
The Seasonal Worker visa (formerly Temporary Worker – T5) is part of the UK’s temporary work routes designed to address labour shortages in agriculture and food production.
There are two categories:
- Horticulture – up to 6 months.
- Poultry production – 18 October to 31 December.
Who Can Apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa?
To qualify, you must:
- Be 18 or older.
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Work in an eligible sector.
- Have at least £1,270 in savings (unless certified by sponsor).
- Pay the £319 visa fee.
- Apply from outside the UK.
Jobs Eligible Under the Seasonal Worker Visa
Horticulture Jobs
- Fruit picking (strawberries, apples).
- Vegetable harvesting.
- Flowers and plant production.
- Mushroom cultivation.
- Nursery and forestry work.
Poultry Jobs
- Butcher.
- Poultry processor.
- Meat packer.
- Bird handler.
- Food operative.
What You Can and Cannot Do
✅ You can:
- Work in the role listed on your CoS.
- Study (in some cases).
❌ You cannot:
- Take a permanent job.
- Work outside your sponsored role.
- Access public funds.
- Bring dependants.
- Apply for settlement (ILR).
How to Apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa
- Secure a job with a licensed sponsor.
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Apply online via GOV.UK.
- Upload documents.
- Attend biometrics.
Required Documents
- Passport.
- Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Proof of savings.
- Translations (if required).
Processing Time
- Typically 3 weeks.
- Apply up to 3 months before start date.
Employer Requirements (UK Sponsors)
Employers must:
- Be an approved scheme operator.
- Use the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
- Provide fair contracts and wages.
- Ensure safe working conditions.
- Meet compliance standards.
👉 Learn more:
Annaizu workforce management and compliance platform
Worker Rights
Seasonal workers are protected by UK law:
- Minimum wage entitlement.
- Paid holidays.
- Safe working conditions.
- Protection from exploitation.
How to Find a Sponsor
- Check GOV.UK licensed sponsor list.
- Apply via approved scheme operators.
- Avoid paying recruitment fees.
Conclusion
The Seasonal Worker visa provides a structured pathway for short-term work in the UK’s agriculture and food production sectors.
While it does not lead to settlement, it offers valuable international work experience and supports critical UK industries.
👉 Official GOV.UK source:
Seasonal Worker visa guidance on GOV.UK
📞 Need Help With Sponsorship or Compliance?
At Annaizu, we support UK employers with:
- Sponsor licence applications.
- CoS management.
- Immigration compliance.
- Workforce onboarding.
👉 Contact Annaizu today
Annaizu workforce management and compliance platform
Related Annaizu resources: Explore immigration services and sponsor licence guidance and case-specific advice for practical support with employer compliance and immigration workflows.
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