How to Get UK Seasonal Jobs: Full Guide to Visa, Salary and Application Process

How to Get UK Seasonal Jobs: Complete Guide to Visa, Work Permit, Salary, Requirements, and Official Government Portals

Seasonal work in the United Kingdom attracts thousands of foreign workers each year, especially from Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. These short-term jobs in agriculture and food production help meet labour shortages during planting, harvesting, and processing seasons. For many workers, UK seasonal jobs offer a chance to earn a good income, gain international work experience, and return home with savings.

This guide provides complete, verified information about the UK Seasonal Worker Visa, job types, salary details, application process, work conditions, required documents, government portals, and safety guidelines. All information aligns with official UK government requirements.

Overview of the UK Seasonal Worker Visa

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to come to the UK for short-term agricultural or poultry work. This visa is part of the Temporary Worker route and is controlled entirely by the UK Home Office.

Key features:

• Temporary visa only
• Maximum stay of 6 months (horticulture)
• Maximum stay of 3 months (poultry)
• No dependents allowed
• No pathway to permanent residency

The government controls the number of visas issued each year to match the seasonal labour needs of UK farms.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Seasonal Worker Visa

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Must be at least 18 years old
2. Must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved scheme operator
3. Must apply from outside the UK
4. Must have enough maintenance funds
5. Must have a valid passport
6. Must provide a TB test report if required
7. Must meet the financial requirement unless covered by the employer
8. Must not have immigration violations in the UK

These criteria ensure that workers enter the UK legally and safely.

Job Categories Under the Seasonal Worker Scheme

Seasonal worker jobs fall mainly under horticulture and poultry.

Horticulture includes:

• Soft fruit picking (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• Orchard fruit picking (apples, pears, cherries)
• Greenhouse vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers)
• Flower harvesting
• Nursery plants and seed production
• Grading, packing, and sorting produce
• Field planting and crop maintenance
• Loading, unloading, and general farm labour

Poultry includes:

• Poultry processing
• Meat cutting and packaging
• Warehouse work
• Cold storage operations
• Quality checking and inspection
• The food factory works during the peak Christmas period

Most horticulture jobs run from spring to autumn, while poultry jobs occur before significant demand periods.

Salary for UK Seasonal Workers

The salary depends on the employer, region, overtime availability, and productivity (in piece-rate jobs). Workers are paid in accordance with UK labour laws.

Below is a simple breakdown.

UK Seasonal Worker Salary Table

Category	Type of Pay	Expected Range
Minimum Hourly Wage	Standard
£10.50 – £12.50
Monthly Salary	Average 40–60 hours per week
£1,600 – £2,200
Productivity Bonus	Piece-rate picking	Varies by performance
Overtime	After 40–48 hours
£13.00 – £16.00 per hour
Weekly Earnings	With overtime
£400 – £650
Accommodation Deduction	Set by the employer
£50 – £60 per week

Many farms pay weekly, and wages are transferred directly to a UK bank account provided or supported by the employer.

Visa Fees and Total Cost Breakdown

Applicants must prepare for the following costs:

• Visa application fee: approx. £259
• TB test (if required by your country): varies
• Flight tickets: vary by country
• Accommodation: £50–£60 weekly
• Travel within the UK: the employer may provide discounted transport

There are no hidden government charges. Be cautious of private agents who charge overpriced fees.

Required Documents for Visa Application

Prepare the following documents before applying:

• Passport valid for the duration of your stay
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by an approved operator
• Bank statement showing at least £1,270 (if not covered by sponsor)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
• Passport-sized photographs
• Accommodation information
• Employer contract or job details
• Travel insurance (optional but recommended)

Keep copies of all documents for your reference.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

1. Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
   Only official scheme operators can issue this.
2. Complete the visa application form on GOV.UK
   Search for “Seasonal Worker Visa” on the official UK government website.
3. Upload required documents
   Include passport, CoS, bank proof, and TB test.
4. Book your biometrics appointment
   This takes place at a UK Visa Application Centre.
5. Pay the visa fee
   Payment is made online during the application.
6. Attend biometrics
   Provide fingerprints, photos, and a passport submission.
7. Wait for the visa decision
   Most decisions take around three weeks.
8. Collect your passport and travel
   The employer provides work start dates and arrival instructions.

Accommodation and Living Conditions in the UK

Most employers offer on-site or nearby accommodation. These facilities often include:

• Shared bedrooms
• Kitchen and cooking facilities
• Laundry rooms
• Bathrooms
• Heating and electricity
• Wi-Fi in some locations

Living costs:
£50–£60 per week deducted from wages.

Workers should expect shared living arrangements and basic but clean facilities.

Work Conditions

Seasonal work is physically demanding. Common conditions include:

• Extended hours during peak season
• Outdoor work in mixed weather
• Repetitive tasks
• Piece-rate wages for some roles
• Early morning start times
• Weekend shifts during busy periods

Workers should be physically fit and prepared to work in fast-paced environments.

Official UK Government Portals for Verified Information

These are the only safe, official sources for seasonal work and visa information.

1. GOV.UK Seasonal Worker Visa
   Search: Seasonal Worker Visa on GOV.UK
   This provides official visa rules, fees, and application links.
2. UK Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors (Workers)
   Search: Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers
   This document lists all UK companies permitted to sponsor foreign workers.
3. UK Government Guidance for Seasonal Worker Sponsors
   Search: Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors – Seasonal Worker
   This explains legal requirements for scheme operators.

Always verify sponsor names on the official register.

Common Scams and How to Stay Safe

Avoid:

• Fake sponsors not listed on the official register
• Agents promising guaranteed visas
• Job offers without a Certificate of Sponsorship
• Payments are demanded for job placement above normal service fees

Safe practices:

• Confirm the sponsor name on the Home Office list
• Read your CoS carefully
• Apply only through GOV.UK
• Never send money to unknown individuals

Expanded Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa allows foreign workers to work in the UK temporarily in agriculture, farming, and horticulture. It is usually used for fruit picking, vegetable farms, poultry work, and greenhouse jobs.

2. How long is the Seasonal Worker Visa valid?

The visa is usually valid for up to 6 months, depending on the employer and the work season.

3. Who can apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

Anyone outside the UK and EU can apply if they have:

• Job offer
• Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)
• Valid passport & documents

4. What jobs are available under the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

The most common roles:

• Fruit picking
• Vegetable farming
• Greenhouse and nursery work
• Packing and processing
• Poultry farming (seasonal)

5. What are the basic requirements to apply?

You need:

• Certificate of Sponsorship
• Employment contract
• Proof of funds
• Valid passport and photo
• No criminal record

6. Do I need Ian ELTS or Ean English language test?

No. English language is not required for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa.

7. Do you know if I need previous experience?

Experience is not mandatory, but employers may prefer workers with experience in farming or production.

8. What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)?

It is an official work document issued by a licensed UK employer. Without COS, you cannot apply for this visa.

9. How much does the visa cost?

The UK seasonal visa fee is usually around £259, plus any additional biometric fees.

10. What salary do seasonal workers get in the UK?

Seasonal workers are paid at least the UK National Minimum Wage:

• £10.42/hour for 23+
• £10.18/hour for 21–22
  Overtime and bonuses are possible depending on the employer.

11. Do workers get accommodation?

Most employers provide accommodation:

• Free or subsidised
• Shared rooms or farm housing

12. Do UK seasonal workers receive health insurance?

Workers receive NHS emergency healthcare, but must keep their insurance and medical documents.

13. Can I bring family with a seasonal visa?

No. Family and dependents cannot join you on the UK Seasonal Worker visa.

14. Can I change my employer in the UK?

Only if a new employer offers:

• New Certificate of Sponsorship
• Legal permission from the UK rules

15. Can I convert this seasonal visa to a permanent UK visa?

Generally, no, this visa does not lead directly to permanent residency. It is temporary only.

16. How many hours can I work per week?

Most workers do:

• 40–60 hours per week
• Overtime allowed depending on seasonal demand

17. Which countries can apply for UK seasonal jobs?

Most nationalities worldwide can apply if they meet the requirements and receive sponsorship.

18. When is the best time to apply?

Best months to apply:

• January to June for fruit and vegetable picking
• Holiday season for poultry & farm jobs

19. What documents do I need for the visa?

Common documents include:

• Passport
• COS number
• Contract from the employer
• Bank statement
• Photo & application form

20. How long does the visa take to process?

Visa processing usually takes:

• 2–6 weeks, depending on the country and embassy workload.

21. What happens when the contract ends?

After finishing work:

• You must leave the UK after your contract and visa expire.
• You may apply again next year if the employer hires you.

Final Summary

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is a straightforward pathway for foreigners seeking short-term agricultural or poultry work. It offers competitive wages, safe working conditions, accommodation, and a structured process supported by official UK government oversight. By using only official portals, confirming sponsor details, and preparing all required documents, applicants can safely and successfully secure seasonal employment in the United Kingdom.

This guide includes full details on eligibility, documentation, salary, job types, application steps, and government portals, making it one of the most complete resources for understanding the UK Seasonal Worker route.