Seasonal Worker visa

Overview

The Seasonal Worker visa is designed for temporary labor in specific sectors, primarily horticulture (such as picking fruit or vegetables) and poultry. You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved employer before you can apply. This is a temporary route and does not lead to permanent settlement in the UK.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and have a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Your sponsor must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship that confirms your role is in an eligible sector. You must also show you have enough personal savings to support yourself upon arrival, unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance on the CoS.

Application steps

1. 1

   Step 1

   Secure a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor in the horticulture or poultry sector.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Prepare your financial evidence and required documents.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Complete the online application form on the GOV.UK website.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable).

6. 6

   Step 6

   Book and attend an appointment at a visa application center to provide biometric information.

Required documents

• Valid passport or travel document
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
• Proof of personal savings (bank statements showing at least £1,270 held for 28 days, unless certified by sponsor)
• Tuberculosis test results (if from a listed country)

PR, family, language & arrival

Common pitfalls

• Applying without a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
• Failing to provide proof of funds when the sponsor has not certified maintenance.
• Assuming this visa leads to permanent residency (it does not).
• Attempting to switch to other visa categories while in the UK.