Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa: Eligibility Criteria & Requirements

To secure a Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa under the UK immigration rules, the role you intend to undertake must fall within a list of approved occupations in either the horticulture industry or the poultry production sector. Below is a detailed guide outlining qualifying job types, sponsorship criteria, financial obligations, and the application process.

Approved Roles in the Horticulture Sector

To qualify under the horticulture stream, the agricultural produce you’ll be working with must fall into one of the following eligible categories:

• Protected Vegetables – Vegetables cultivated in controlled glasshouse environments.

• Field Vegetables – Outdoor-grown vegetables, herbs, leafy salads, and potatoes.

• Soft Fruits – Includes crops like strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, and blueberries, whether grown outdoors or under cover (e.g., in glasshouses or polytunnels).

• Top Fruits (Orchard Fruits) – Fruits grown on trees such as apples, cherries, plums, and apricots.

• Vine and Bine Plants – Twining or climbing species such as grapes and hops.

• Mushrooms – Usually covers Agaricus bisporus species, but can include exotic varieties grown indoors.

• Cut Flowers and Bulbs – Both indoor and outdoor cultivation (e.g., daffodils).

• Potted Plants – Includes seasonal bedding plants such as pansies, violas, geraniums, and poinsettias.

• Hardy Ornamental Nursery Stock – Covers shrubs, ornamental trees, perennials, Christmas trees, and roses.

• Tree and Forest Nurseries – Commercial production of trees and forestry seedlings.

Eligible Poultry Sector Positions

If applying for a Seasonal Worker Visa under the poultry production sector, your employment must fall within the following specific job roles:

• Butcher

• Bird/Game Dresser

• Killer and Plucker

• Poultry Plucker

• Poulterer

• Poultry Processor

• Poultry Sticker

• Trusser

• Food Operative

• Poultry Catcher/Handler

• Poultry Vaccinator

• Poultry Meat Packer

Sponsorship Requirements

To apply, you must possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This digital certificate must be issued by an authorised sponsor who meets the following criteria:

• Rated A on the Home Office’s official register of licensed sponsors.

• Endorsed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for the Seasonal Worker route.

• Licensed by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).

Key Sponsorship Conditions:

• The CoS must be issued no more than 3 months prior to your visa application.

• For poultry production roles, applications must be submitted on or before 15 November each year.

• The CoS must clearly specify:

  • Your full name, job title, salary, and start date.

  • Compliance with legal wage and working time regulations.

  • Assurance that the CoS has not been used, withdrawn, or cancelled previously.

Minimum Salary Requirements:

• For roles in horticulture or as a food operative, poultry handler, vaccinator, or meat packer:

  • Minimum wage: £11.44/hour

  • Minimum weekly pay: 32 hours/week

• For skilled poultry roles (butcher, sticker, trusser, etc.):

  • Minimum wage: £15.88/hour

  • Annual salary requirement: £38,700

Only the first 48 working hours per week are considered for meeting the salary threshold. If working variable hours, the average over a cycle (not exceeding 17 weeks) must remain within the 48-hour limit. Unpaid rest weeks are included in this average.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves upon arrival in the UK.

• Required funds: £1,270

• Holding period: Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days within the 31 days before your visa application.

Exemption:
If your employer certifies on your CoS that they will cover your living expenses (minimum £1,270) during your first month in the UK, the financial requirement is waived.

Application Procedure

Applications for the Seasonal Worker Visa must be submitted from outside the United Kingdom.

• Earliest application date: 3 months before your intended start date (as listed on your CoS).

• Deadline for poultry roles: Must apply on or before 15 November of each calendar year.

• Decision timeframe: Applications are generally processed within 3 weeks.

Application Fee

• The UK Home Office fee for this visa category is £298.

Duration of Stay

• Horticulture sector: Granted for the duration of the job (as specified on your CoS), plus 14 days before and after, with a maximum limit of 6 months in any 12-month period.

• Poultry sector: Granted for the job duration between 2 October to 31 December, including an additional 14 days before and after, whichever is shorter.

Conditions of Stay

As a Seasonal Worker, you will be allowed to:

• Work exclusively in the role specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship.

• Undertake studies, subject to specific course regulations (e.g., ATAS requirements).

You will not be permitted to:

• Take up permanent employment.

• Work outside the sponsored job.

• Access public funds or social benefits.

Switching to Seasonal Worker Visa Route

Switching into this visa category from within the UK or from other Temporary Work categories is not permitted.

Visa Refusals

If your application is refused, you may be eligible to:

• Submit a new application, or

• Request an Administrative Review, depending on the reason for refusal.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help prospective seasonal workers understand the eligibility criteria, financial obligations, and procedural requirements for securing a Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa in the UK.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, our dedicated immigration barristers specialise in guiding both employers and skilled professionals through the complexities of business immigration law. With a wealth of experience across diverse sectors and organisations of all scales, we provide strategic legal support tailored to align with your employment timelines and long-term immigration objectives.

Our team is committed to offering accessible, proactive, and client-focused service. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and deliver practical, transparent, and trustworthy immigration solutions. Whether you’re navigating visa applications or planning your career trajectory in a new country, Link And Day Lawyers ensures that every step is handled with professionalism, clarity, and care.