Seasonal Worker Visa (Temporary Work)

Temporary Work Visa routes allow migrants to come to the UK for up to two years and work in various fields.

None of them offer a route to settlement, but there is no English language requirement.

Requirements for a Seasonal Worker Visa (Temporary Work)

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances.  You may wish to speak to an immigration lawyer for an individual expert advice.

Eligibility requirements

You can apply for a Seasonal Worker visa to come to the UK and work in:

  • horticulture for up to 6 months - for example, picking fruit and vegetables or flowers

  • poultry from 2 October to 31 December, in the same year; you need to apply for poultry Seasonal Worker visas by 15 November each year.

You must also:

  • be 18 or over

  • have a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor; your employer must make sure your job pays at least the minimum wage and follows the UK rules for how many hours a week you work. If your employer does not do this, your application will be refused.

  • have enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

  • When you apply you’ll need to provide:

    • your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your sponsor will give you this

    • a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

    • evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your sponsor can support you)

    You need a blank page in your passport for your visa. If you have another type of travel document (for example, a stateless person’s travel document) it must have space for your visa.

    You must also provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh, apart from your passport.

  • You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

    You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

    You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless your sponsor can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270.

    If your sponsor can support you instead

    Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this.