Seasonal Worker visa
For people coming to the UK for short-term roles in horticulture (edible and ornamental crops) or poultry.
The Seasonal Worker visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£319 application; CoS required; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Seasonal Worker visa is for
For people coming to the UK for short-term roles in horticulture (edible and ornamental crops) or poultry.
Does not lead to settlement; strictly seasonal and temporary.
Seasonal Worker visa - eligibility criteria
- Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed scheme operator
- Job offer in eligible horticulture or poultry work
- Aged 18 or over
- Enough money to support yourself on arrival
- Intention to leave at the end of the season
Seasonal Worker visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Seasonal Worker visa (United Kingdom) is ~£319 application; CoS required; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 months (horticulture); shorter for poultry |
| Work rights | Seasonal work for the sponsoring scheme operator only |
| Study rights | No study (limited) |
| Government fee | ~£319 application; CoS required; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to settlement; strictly seasonal and temporary. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to settlement; strictly seasonal and temporary.
Many applicants also compare GAE · Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange visa, YMS · Youth Mobility Scheme visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Seasonal Worker visa pitfalls we fix
Seasonal Worker visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Seasonal Worker visa cost?
The Seasonal Worker visa government fee is ~£319 application; CoS required; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Seasonal Worker visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Seasonal Worker visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to settlement; strictly seasonal and temporary.
Can I work on the Seasonal Worker visa?
Work rights: Seasonal work for the sponsoring scheme operator only.
Who can apply for the Seasonal Worker visa?
For people coming to the UK for short-term roles in horticulture (edible and ornamental crops) or poultry.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority