Through the UK Seasonal Worker Visa Sponsorship program, UK businesses, especially those in agriculture, can hire foreign workers to fill temporary job openings. This program is part of the larger Temporary Worker sponsorship group and is mainly for seasonal work in important industries.
Employers in the poultry production and horticulture industries can support foreigners for up to six months. This makes sure that seasonal labor needs are met quickly. Individuals with expertise in a range of agricultural techniques are encouraged to apply for the visa sponsorship. This will help UK farms during planting and harvesting seasons.
Every year, sponsorship is available for the horticulture sector, which lets companies hire trained workers to plant, care for, and harvest crops.
But funding for people who work in poultry farms is more limited, and applications can only be made from October 2nd to December 31st. In the poultry business, demand goes up during certain times of the year, especially near the end of the year when people want to buy more poultry products.
Employers who want to use this program must make sure they can handle all sponsorship duties and offer working conditions that meet UK job standards.
Check More: Farming Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners
UK Seasonal Worker Visa Sponsorship Limit:
The UK government limits the number of Seasonal Work Visas it gives out each year so that it can better control the flow of foreign workers. The maximum number of people who can go through the Seasonal Worker path in 2025 is set at 47,000. This money is carefully split between two important industries: growing plants and raising chickens.
- Horticulture Sector: Most of the visas have been given to this sector, which has 45,000 spots open. This shows how much demand there is for seasonal workers in this field, which includes planting, caring for, and harvesting crops.
- Chicken Production Sector: This sector has been given 2,000 spots because of its seasonal needs, especially during busy times like the holidays at the end of the year when demand for chicken goes up.
Requirements:
To get a sponsor license for the Seasonal Worker visa in the UK, you have to meet a number of requirements. These make sure that only qualified and responsible companies can bring in seasonal workers from other countries. These are the requirements:
General Requirements for Sponsor Licence:
In order for a business to get a Seasonal Worker Visa Sponsor Licence, it must meet the general standards that all sponsor license applicants must meet.
They have to show that it is a real, legal business that is working or trading in the UK. This includes registering the business with the right authorities, like Companies House for limited companies. This proves that the business is real.
The organization must have a place of business or a real presence in the UK. For businesses that use a virtual model, they need to show clear proof that they can meet their sponsor duties while still working legally.
The Home Office also checks to see if the job openings are real, making sure they meet the standards and aren’t made up to meet visa requirements. The organization must also hire key people who don’t have any outstanding criminal records. This shows that they are reliable and trustworthy.
Any past of not following the rules or being a possible threat to immigration control could hurt the application.
Industry Specific Requirements:
In order to apply for a Seasonal Worker sponsor license, a business must be recognized as a main body or scheme operator that has been given permission to do so. The approval comes from two different sources. The first is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which says the organization is qualified to handle seasonal job needs in the given areas.
Second, by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, which makes sure that safety and health rules at work are followed.
Application Process for the Seasonal Worker Sponsor Licence:
The process of applying for a Seasonal Worker Sponsor Licence must be completed through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS). As part of the application, you must provide detailed information about your business and the nature of the roles you intend to offer. This includes:
- Types of roles and job descriptions
- Wage levels that comply with UK minimum wage regulations
- The structure and operational details of your company
Once all required details are compiled, the application is submitted along with the supporting documents and the applicable fee. Submissions can be made electronically or by post to the Home Office, depending on your preference.
After approval, your organisation will be authorised to sponsor seasonal workers by issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which applicants can then use to apply for their visa.
Required Documents:
When applying for a Seasonal Worker Visa Sponsor Licence, you must provide the Home Office with a complete set of documents verifying your business’s legitimacy and operational status. These include:
- Property Documentation: Proof of your business premises, such as a rental agreement or ownership documents, demonstrating a stable operational base.
- Insurance Policy Certificate: Evidence that your business is insured, confirming financial responsibility and compliance with legal requirements.
- Registration and Compliance Evidence: Documents showing that your business is registered and licensed to operate in the UK, relevant to your industry.
- Tax Compliance Proof: Records proving that your business is up to date with tax payments, showing adherence to UK fiscal regulations.
- Financial Records: Recent bank statements reflecting business turnover and audited accounts for the latest financial year, establishing financial health.
All documents must be in English or Welsh. If any documents are in another language, they must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Processing Time and Application Fees:
Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa Sponsorship Costs
When applying for a Sponsor Licence, businesses must consider the following fees:
For Small Businesses:
- Sponsor Licence Application Fee: £574 (if you do not already hold a skilled worker sponsor licence).
- Immigration Skills Charge: £364 for the first 12 months, plus £182 for each additional six months.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): £25 per CoS issued.
For Medium or Large Businesses:
- Sponsor Licence Application Fee: £1,579 (if you do not already hold a skilled worker sponsor licence).
- Immigration Skills Charge: £1,000 for the first 12 months, plus £500 for each additional six months.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): £25 per CoS issued.
The Home Office determines your business size based on the following criteria:
- Small Business: Must meet at least two of the following conditions:
- Employ fewer than 50 people
- Have assets under £5.1 million
- Have an annual turnover not exceeding £10.2 million
Businesses that do not meet two of these three conditions are classified as medium or large.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the UK Seasonal Worker visa?
The UK Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign nationals to work in horticulture and poultry sectors for a short period, usually up to 6 months.
Do employers provide visa sponsorship for seasonal work?
Yes, licensed UK employers can sponsor foreign workers for seasonal roles, mainly in fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and farm work.
Do I need experience to apply for a UK Seasonal Worker visa job?
No prior experience is usually required. Employers often provide on-the-job training for seasonal agricultural roles.
