Introduction to the UK Seasonal Worker Visa
The seasonal worker visa is a carefully calibrated immigration route created to address short-term labour shortages in key UK industries. Rather than offering a long-term migration solution, it provides a lawful, time-bound mechanism for overseas workers to support sectors that are acutely dependent on seasonal demand.
This route has evolved significantly in recent years. By 2025, the Home Office introduced stronger worker protections, wider use of digital processes, and clearer eligibility guidance, making it more regulated and transparent.
What is the seasonal worker visa?
The seasonal worker visa allows overseas nationals to come to the UK for a limited period and carry out specific types of work approved by the Home Office. It sits within the points-based immigration system; however, it serves a very different purpose from skilled or long-term sponsored work routes.
Importantly, this visa follows a strictly employer-led structure. Applicants cannot apply independently or initiate the process themselves. Instead, they must first secure a confirmed job offer. Only after an approved scheme operator issues a valid Certificate of Sponsorship can the applicant proceed with the visa application.
As a result, the success of any seasonal worker visa application depends heavily on the credibility, compliance record, and accuracy of the sponsoring operator.
Industries eligible under the seasonal worker route
Horticulture sector
Horticulture remains the foundation of the seasonal worker scheme. Crucially, recent Home Office guidance now provides a clear and expanded definition, removing uncertainty for both workers and employers.
Specifically, eligible horticultural work includes:
-
edible horticulture, such as fruit and vegetable harvesting
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ornamental horticulture, including bulbs, cut flowers, pot plants, and nursery stock
Therefore, workers involved in decorative plant cultivation now fall squarely within the scope of the scheme. As a result, they receive the same protections, pay guarantees, and eligibility status as those working in food production.
Poultry sector
By contrast, the poultry production route operates under far tighter restrictions. Seasonal workers may only carry out poultry-related work during a strictly defined annual window, which runs from 2 October to 31 December each year.
Moreover, applicants must submit their visa applications for poultry roles no later than 15 November. After that date, the Home Office does not permit poultry production work under the seasonal worker visa, regardless of labour shortages or employer demand.
Consequently, timing plays a decisive role for anyone seeking entry under the poultry route, and even minor delays can render an application invalid.
Length of stay and rolling work limits
The seasonal worker visa allows a maximum of six months of work, but the way this limit is calculated has been updated.
For visa decisions made on or after 11 November 2025, the Home Office has confirmed that workers are limited to a maximum of six months of work in any rolling ten-month period. Previously, this limit was measured over a twelve-month period.
This change allows workers to return to the UK sooner than before, but the rolling window is tighter and requires careful planning to avoid breaches.
Eligibility requirements for applicants
Applicants must:
- be aged 18 or over
- apply from outside the UK
- hold a valid job offer from an approved scheme operator
- meet general suitability and immigration history requirements
There is no English language requirement, which remains a distinguishing feature of this visa compared to most other UK work routes.
The role of UK sponsors and scheme operators
Scheme operators are licensed by the Home Office and act as the legal sponsors for seasonal workers. They assign Certificates of Sponsorship, manage worker placements, and ensure compliance with employment and immigration rules.
Sponsors carry significant responsibilities. Failure to meet pay, accommodation, or welfare standards can result in licence suspension, directly affecting sponsored workers.
Guaranteed hours and pay protections
To reduce exploitation and financial instability, the Home Office requires sponsors to meet minimum pay and working hour standards.
Sponsors must guarantee:
- a minimum of 32 paid hours per week
- payment of at least the National Living Wage in force at the time of employment
Pay rates are reviewed annually in line with changes to the National Living Wage. Sponsors may offer higher pay depending on the role, overtime, or productivity, but the legal minimum must always be met.
Quotas for 2025 seasonal worker visas
Understanding the scale of the scheme provides useful context.
For 2025, the Home Office set the following limits:
- 43,000 places for horticulture
- 2,000 places for poultry production
Future quotas have not yet been formally confirmed, but early indications suggest that numbers may reduce slightly in later years, reinforcing the competitive nature of the route.
Documents required for a seasonal worker visa
Applicants typically need:
- a valid passport
- a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved operator
- proof of funds showing £1,270, held for at least 28 consecutive days
- The maintenance requirement can be waived if the sponsor certifies maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Depending on nationality, a tuberculosis test certificate may also be required.
Application process and digital eVisas
Applications are submitted online from outside the UK. Applicants attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
The UK has moved to a digital-by-default immigration system. Most seasonal workers receive an eVisa, rather than a physical Biometric Residence Permit. Workers must create a UK Home Office account to access and prove their immigration status digitally.
Fees and healthcare considerations
For 2025, the application fee for the seasonal worker visa is £319.
A key advantage of this route is that applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Because the visa duration is six months or less, no IHS payment is required, significantly reducing upfront costs.
Conditions and restrictions of the visa
Seasonal workers may only work in the role described on their Certificate of Sponsorship. Secondary employment, self-employment, and work outside the permitted sector are prohibited.
Access to public funds is not allowed. Compliance with visa conditions is essential to avoid curtailment or future refusals.
Switching, extensions, and settlement prospects
The seasonal worker visa does not lead to settlement. Time spent under this route does not count towards indefinite leave to remain.
Switching to another visa category from within the UK is generally not permitted. Those seeking long-term UK residence must apply under a different route from overseas.
Common reasons for refusals
- Refusals often arise from:
- incorrect or invalid sponsorship details
- failure to meet maintenance requirements
- previous immigration breaches
- inaccurate or inconsistent application information
Thorough preparation remains the strongest safeguard.
How LawSentis can help
LawSentis provides expert guidance for individuals and employers navigating the UK seasonal worker visa route. As an IAA-regulated immigration Advisors (Level 3), LawSentis supports clients with sponsor verification, eligibility assessments, document preparation, and compliance advice.
By combining regulatory insight with practical experience, LawSentis helps reduce risk, avoid delays, and ensure applications meet the latest Home Office requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work more than six months if I change employers
No. The six-month limit applies across all sponsors within the rolling ten-month period.
Is the seasonal worker visa capped each year
Yes. Annual quotas apply, and places are limited.
Do I need to pay the immigration health surcharge
No. Seasonal worker visa holders are exempt from the IHS.
Can my sponsor guarantee fewer than 32 hours
No. Sponsors must guarantee at least 32 paid hours per week.
Can I apply for poultry work outside the October–December window
No. Poultry work is only permitted between 2 October and 31 December.
Is accommodation provided
Accommodation arrangements depend on the sponsor, but they must meet regulatory standards.
Can I bring dependants with me
No. Dependants are not permitted under this route.
How do I prove my immigration status
Through your UK Home Office account using your digital eVisa.
Can I reapply after my visa expires
Yes, provided you comply with the rolling ten-month work limit.
Is this visa suitable for long-term UK employment
No. It is designed strictly for temporary, seasonal work.