Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa in UK for Foreigners 2025

Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa in UK for Foreigners 2025 The Seasonal Worker Visa (also known as the Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker Visa) allows foreigners to come to the UK for short-term, seasonal employment in specific sectors, including horticulture, which covers agriculture-related tasks such as picking fruit, vegetables, or flowers. This visa is designed to fill labor shortages in the UK’s food production industry, particularly after Brexit. For 2025, the scheme has been extended, with a total quota of 45,000 visas allocated across eligible sectors. It is not available for permanent work or other types of employment.

Overview of the Seasonal Worker Visa for Agriculture in the UK (2025)

The Seasonal Worker Visa (Temporary Work – Seasonal Worker route) is a UK government scheme designed to address labor shortages in the horticulture and agriculture sectors by allowing foreign workers to take up temporary, seasonal jobs such as picking fruit, vegetables, or flowers. For 2025, the program has been extended for another year, with a total quota of 45,000 visas allocated: 43,000 for horticulture/agriculture and 2,000 for poultry production.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Seasonal Worker Visa in the agriculture/horticulture sector for 2025:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor by the Home Office.
• The job must be in eligible seasonal horticulture work (e.g., planting, harvesting, or processing fruit and vegetables).
• You must apply from outside the UK; this visa cannot be switched from within the UK.
• You must have at least £1,270 in personal savings (held for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your application), unless your sponsor certifies they will cover your costs for the first month.
• You must meet general health and character requirements, including no serious criminal convictions.
• English language proficiency is not required for this visa.

Requirements and Documents Needed

• A valid passport or travel document.
• A certificate of sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer (they assign this after offering you the job).
• Proof of personal savings (e.g., bank statements) if applicable.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are from a country where this is required (check the UK government’s list).
• Any non-English documents must be accompanied by certified translations.
• A blank page in your passport for the visa vignette (sticker).

Your employer must be on the Home Office’s list of licensed sponsors and provide details of the job, including start/end dates and wage (minimum £12.21 per hour or the agricultural wage rate, whichever is higher, with potential top-ups for qualified workers).

Duration and Quota for 2025

• Duration: Up to 6 months for horticulture/agriculture work. You cannot extend this visa or use it for more than 6 months in any 12-month period.
• Quota for 2025: A total of 45,000 visas are available, with 43,000 allocated to the horticulture sector (including agriculture) and 2,000 to poultry production. This is the same as the 2024 allocation, confirming the scheme’s continuation to support food security. Visas are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until the quota is reached, so early application is advised, especially for peak seasons (e.g., summer harvests).

Salary

Seasonal workers in UK agriculture under this visa must be paid at least the National Living Wage (NLW), which is set at £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over as of April 2025. This equates to a potential weekly earning of £400–£500 for a standard 35–45 hour week, depending on the role and overtime. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half or double rates where applicable, and some employers offer performance-based bonuses for meeting harvest targets. Wages must comply with the Agricultural Minimum Wage or NLW, whichever is higher, and deductions for accommodation or transport cannot reduce pay below the legal minimum. Note that some reports indicate actual earnings may start closer to £10–£11 per hour in entry-level roles, but this must not fall below the NLW threshold. Employers are required to ensure fair pay to avoid exploitation, with government oversight.

Benefits

While the visa itself does not mandate specific benefits beyond minimum wage compliance, many licensed sponsors in the agriculture sector provide additional perks to attract workers and meet welfare standards. Common benefits include:

• Accommodation: Often provided or subsidized on-site or nearby farms, with deductions limited to £10.66 per day (as of April 2025) to ensure it counts toward minimum wage without excessive costs. This helps keep living expenses low for workers.
• Transport: Free or subsidized shuttles to and from work sites, reducing travel burdens in rural areas.
• Meals and Other Perks: Subsidized or free meals during shifts, safety training, and sometimes paid leave (e.g., for holidays or rest days). Health and safety equipment is also typically supplied.
• Health Access: Workers have access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for free emergency care, though no Immigration Health Surcharge is required for this short-term visa.
• Return Incentives: Repeat workers (e.g., returning for a second or third season) may receive priority placement or slight wage uplifts, similar to international models.

Restrictions and Additional Notes

• You can only work for the sponsor named on your CoS and in the specified job.
• No access to public funds, no bringing family members, and no studying (beyond incidental learning).
• You must leave the UK at the end of your visa period.
• Concerns about worker welfare (e.g., accommodation, exploitation) have been raised, but the government conducts surveys and compliance checks, with over 90% positive feedback reported in recent years.
• For the latest updates, always check the official GOV.UK website, as rules can change.

If you need help finding sponsors or jobs, resources like the Seasonal Workers Programme website or immigration advisors can assist. This visa is competitive due to the quota, so prepare thoroughly.

Application Process

1. Secure a Job Offer: Find employment through a licensed sponsor (e.g., via recruitment agencies or schemes like the one run by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board). The sponsor will issue your CoS.
2. Apply Online: Submit your application up to 3 months before your job start date via the official UK government website (GOV.UK visa portal). For horticulture, applications can be made year-round.
3. Prove Identity: Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app if eligible, or attend a visa application center for biometrics (fingerprints and photo). This may require travel to the nearest center.
4. Submit Documents: Upload or provide all required documents during the process.

How To Apply

Apply Now

Conclusion

The 2025 Seasonal Worker Visa offers a viable opportunity for foreigners to gain short-term employment in UK agriculture, contributing to the economy while earning a fair wage amid ongoing labor shortages. With a stable quota of 45,000 visas and emphasis on minimum wage compliance, it provides essential support for the sector, but applicants should be aware of restrictions like no family accompaniment and the need to leave after 6 months.

1. Who is eligible for the 2025 Seasonal Worker Visa in agriculture?
   You must be 18+, have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, prove £1,270 in savings (or sponsor coverage), and apply from outside the UK. No English test is required, but TB tests may be needed based on your country.
2. How much can I earn, and is overtime paid?
   Minimum £12.21/hour (NLW 2025), with weekly earnings around £400–£500. Overtime is typically paid at higher rates, but confirm with your sponsor.
3. What benefits like accommodation are provided?
   Many employers offer free/subsidized housing (deductions capped at £10.66/day), transport, meals, and training. Access to NHS for emergencies is included, but no public funds for other support.
4. How long is the visa valid, and can I extend it?
   Up to 6 months for horticulture; no extensions allowed, and you can’t exceed 6 months in any 12-month period. You must leave the UK afterward.
5. What is the application cost and process?
   £319 fee, plus biometrics (~£19). Apply online up to 3 months before job start via GOV.UK, with a decision in 3 weeks. Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship first from your employer.
6. Is there a quota, and how do I find a job?
   Yes, 45,000 visas total for 2025 (43,000 for agriculture). Jobs are via licensed sponsors; check the Seasonal Workers Programme or agencies like Pro-Force