UK Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa for Foreigners 2025

The UK Agriculture Seasonal Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK for up to 6 months in eligible horticultural roles. This visa is essential for filling seasonal labor shortages in the UK’s farming sector, including roles such as fruit and vegetable picking, flower harvesting, and tree nursery work.

Details:

• Career Level: Mid Career
• Job Type: Full Time
• Min. Education: High School / Secondary
• Job Category: Agriculture
• Gender: Male/Female
• Nationality: Selective
• Min. Experience: 1-2 Years
• Job Location: London
• Country: UK
• Salary: £2000 – £5000 Per Month
• Benefits: Will be discussed in the interview
• Hiring By: Employer

Who Can Apply for UK Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa for Foreigners 2025?

To be eligible for the Seasonal Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Sponsorship: You must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer who is an approved sponsor under the Seasonal Worker scheme.
• Eligible Jobs: Your work must be in a role under the horticultural sector (e.g., fruit picking, vegetable harvesting).
• Financial Requirement: You must show that you have £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, unless your employer agrees to cover these costs during your stay.
• Health Surcharge: You will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the duration of your visa, granting you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
• Application Fee: The application fee is £244 (or £189 for some countries).
• Application Location: Applications must be submitted from outside the UK.

Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Cheese Packer Jobs in UK

Required Documents:

When applying for the Agriculture Seasonal Worker Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport or another acceptable form of ID.
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number provided by your UK employer.
• Proof of financial means: Bank statements showing at least £1,270 in your account for 28 consecutive days.
• Proof of accommodation (optional, but helpful in some cases).
• Tuberculosis test results, if required by your country of residence.

Requirements:

Before applying for a Temporary Work Seasonal Employee Visa, you must notify UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You will receive authentic Certificates of Sponsorship from your organization (which is a certified system operator) that contain information regarding the position for which you were recruited.
• It is possible that you are currently engaged in a performance that is eligible for the itemization cultivation.
• Your organization has consented to cover your expenses for the first month in the UK up to a maximum of £1,270, or you will have a minimum of £1,270 in cash retained for 28 days.
• The visa utility charge and the migration wellness fee will have been paid, and any known biometric data will have been provided.

Benefits:

1. Opportunities for Seasonal Work in Agriculture

• The UK has a significant demand for seasonal workers in agriculture, especially during harvest seasons. The Agriculture Seasonal Worker Visa provides foreign nationals with the opportunity to work in the UK’s agricultural sector, which includes jobs in fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, plant cultivation, and livestock management.
• This visa allows workers to fill these roles during periods of peak demand when there is a shortage of local labor.

2. Eligibility for Workers from Outside the UK

• The Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa is open to foreign nationals from outside the UK, particularly from countries that are eligible under the UK’s immigration system.
• It provides a path for international workers to gain experience in the UK’s agricultural sector and offers access to a broader job market.

3. No Language Requirement

• Unlike many other visa categories, the Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa does not require applicants to meet a specific level of English proficiency. This is beneficial for those who are not fluent in English but are interested in taking up seasonal agricultural work.

4. Temporary Work

• The visa allows individuals to come to the UK for a temporary period, typically up to 6 months. This makes it an ideal option for workers looking for short-term employment or a temporary stay in the UK.
• Workers can return home after the season ends or explore other opportunities in the UK if they meet the visa requirements for extending their stay.

5. Visa Sponsorship by UK Employers

• The visa requires a sponsorship from an approved employer. This allows employers in the UK’s agriculture industry to hire foreign workers to meet labor demands during busy seasons.
• As part of the sponsorship process, employers provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is required for the visa application.

6. Access to Legal Work Rights

• The Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa provides foreign workers with legal rights to work in the UK. This ensures that workers are protected by the UK’s employment laws, including fair wages, health and safety, and anti-discrimination regulations.
• Workers also have the right to earn a minimum wage, and employers are required to provide appropriate conditions and protections.

7. Health and Social Benefits

• While the Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa does not automatically grant workers access to the UK’s full social security system, workers are entitled to emergency medical care under the National Health Service (NHS) once they pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• In case of illness or injury during employment, workers can access emergency health care.

8. Opportunity to Gain UK Work Experience

• Foreign workers can gain valuable experience in the UK’s agricultural sector, which is one of the most advanced and diverse in the world. This experience can be beneficial for workers seeking long-term careers in agriculture or those looking to enhance their CV.
• The skills learned in the UK can be transferable to other countries, improving workers’ career prospects.

9. Pathway to Further Immigration Opportunities

• Although the Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa is short-term, it can serve as a stepping stone for those who wish to apply for long-term work visas or permanent residence (if eligible). After gaining experience and building a work history in the UK, some workers may choose to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa or explore other long-term immigration routes.

10. Accommodation and Living Support

• In some cases, employers provide accommodation and meals for workers, especially for those in rural areas where housing may be more expensive or scarce. This can significantly reduce living expenses for seasonal workers.
• Many employers also offer other benefits like transportation, especially for workers who may be placed on farms far from major cities.

How to Apply for UK Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa for Foreigners 2025?

• Secure a Job: First, find a job with a licensed sponsor in the UK. You can search for employers like Pro Force, AG Recruitment, or Fruitful Jobs.
• Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship: Your employer must issue you a CoS reference number. This will be used for your visa application.
• Complete the Application: Apply online through the official UK government website at gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa.
• Pay Fees and Submit Biometric Data: You will need to pay the visa application fee and submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
• Wait for a Decision: After applying, you should receive a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Eligible Work Categories:

The following agricultural jobs are eligible under the Seasonal Worker Visa:

• Protected Crops: Tomatoes, cucumbers, grown in greenhouses or other protected environments.
• Field Vegetables: Lettuce, herbs, potatoes, and other outdoor vegetables.
• Soft Fruits: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.
• Orchard Fruits: Apples, plums, cherries, apricots, and peaches.
• Floriculture: Growing ornamental flowers, such as daffodils, roses, and seasonal bedding plants.
• Nursery Stock: Plants and trees, including Christmas trees, hedges, and roses.

Salary and Working Conditions:

• Minimum Wage: You must be paid at least £10.42 per hour (as of April 2025) for your work.
• Visa Duration: The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months within a 12-month period.
• Work Restrictions:
  • You can only work in the job specified by your Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • You cannot switch to a permanent job or take a second job.
  • You are not eligible for public funds or welfare benefits in the UK.
• Accommodation: Employers may offer shared accommodation, but this is not guaranteed.

Sponsor Companies for the Agriculture Seasonal Worker Visa:

To apply for this visa, you must work for a licensed sponsor. Below are some approved recruitment agencies:

Company Name	Website	Contact Email
Pro-Force	pro-force.co.uk	enquiries@pro-force.co.uk
AG Recruitment	agrecruitment.eu	office@agrecruitment.eu
Fruitful Jobs	fruitfuljobs.com	info@fruitfuljobs.com

You can also apply directly through the UK Government website.

Frequently Asked Questions: