If you’ve ever dreamed of living and working in the United Kingdom while earning a decent income, the UK Seasonal Worker Visa could be your golden ticket. Designed for short-term roles in agriculture, horticulture, and poultry farming, this visa allows you to work legally on UK farms for up to six months each year typically earning between £10.50 and £12 per hour.
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As food production remains one of the UK’s essential industries, farms across the country continue to rely on international workers to fill labor shortages.
What Is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?
The Seasonal Worker Visa is a temporary work visa that allows foreign nationals to come to the UK for up to 6 months to work in horticulture or poultry production. It is part of the UK government’s efforts to fill critical labor shortages in farming and food supply sectors.
The visa is managed under the UK’s Temporary Worker route, meaning it does not lead to permanent settlement. However, it provides a fantastic opportunity to earn income, gain international work experience, and explore life in the UK’s countryside.
Duration of the Seasonal Worker Visa
The duration of your visa depends on the type of work you’ll be doing:
- Horticulture Workers: You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months in any 12-month period.
- Poultry Workers: You can stay between 2 and 6 months, depending on the season (typically between October 2nd and December 31st).
Sectors and Jobs Eligible Under the Visa
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa mainly covers the agriculture and horticulture sectors, which include both edible and non-edible crop production.
- Horticulture
This involves working with crops and plants. Jobs include:
- Fruit and vegetable picking (e.g., strawberries, apples, raspberries)
- Harvesting and packaging produce
- Working in nurseries or greenhouses
- Flower picking and maintenance
- Planting, grading, and field preparation
- Poultry Farming
This category focuses on the production of poultry products, particularly during peak seasons such as Christmas. Jobs include:
- Chicken and turkey farm assistants
- Processing and packing poultry products
- Farm maintenance and cleaning
These jobs are physically demanding but require little formal education — making them ideal for international workers seeking short-term income opportunities.
Pay and Working Conditions
One of the biggest attractions of the UK Seasonal Worker Visa is the potential to earn up to £12 per hour, depending on your role and employer.
Average Pay Rates:
- Fruit Picker / Farm Laborer: £10.50–£12/hour
- Packhouse Assistant: £10–£11/hour
- Greenhouse Worker: £10.50/hour
- Poultry Processor: £11–£12/hour
Most farms offer full-time hours (30–40 per week), with overtime opportunities during peak harvest seasons. You are also entitled to:
- Rest breaks
- Sick pay (depending on contract)
- Holiday pay (pro-rated)
Payment is made weekly or bi-weekly, and your payslip will show deductions for tax and National Insurance.
Accommodation and Living Arrangements
Most UK farms that employ seasonal workers provide on-site or nearby accommodation, often in shared housing or caravans. Rent is usually deducted directly from your wages, ranging from £50 to £80 per week, depending on the location and facilities.
What to Expect:
- Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities
- Heating, water, and electricity included
- Access to transport or shuttle to worksite (in rural areas)
- Wi-Fi and laundry services in some locations
Before you travel, your sponsor (employer or recruitment agency) will give you details about accommodation costs, what to bring, and your living arrangements.
Eligibility Requirements for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2026
To qualify for this visa, you must meet specific requirements set by the UK Home Office.
Basic Requirements:
- Valid job offer from a licensed sponsor in the agriculture or horticulture sector.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — provided by your employer.
- Proof of funds — at least £1,270 in your bank account (unless your employer covers this).
- Age requirement — You must be 18 years or older.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
You do not need to meet any English language requirement for this visa.
How to Apply for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa
Applying for a Seasonal Worker Visa is straightforward if you follow the correct steps.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
You must first obtain a job offer from an approved UK sponsor. Only licensed operators can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). These operators recruit workers through official programs and partner agencies in various countries.
Approved scheme operators include:
- Concordia (UK) Ltd
- Pro-Force Ltd
- HOPS Labour Solutions
- AG Recruitment & Management Ltd
- Fruitful Jobs Ltd
(Always check the UK Government website for the most up-to-date list.)
Step 2: Receive Your Certificate of Sponsorship
Once your job is confirmed, your employer will issue a CoS reference number, detailing your job role, pay, and duration of stay.
Step 3: Apply Online
You can apply through the official UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa
Prepare the following documents:
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship number
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds (£1,270) or confirmation from your employer
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (for some countries)
- Visa application fee: £298 (as of 2026)
Step 4: Attend a Biometric Appointment
You’ll be required to give fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.
Step 5: Wait for Decision
The UK Home Office usually processes Seasonal Worker Visa applications within 3 weeks after your biometric appointment.
Benefits of Working on a UK Seasonal Worker Visa
- Good hourly pay (£10.50–£12/hour)
- Short-term opportunity to work and earn abroad
- No English test required
- Experience UK culture and countryside
- Possibility to reapply each year
While this visa doesn’t provide a path to permanent residency, it’s a valuable opportunity for students, travelers, and temporary workers seeking seasonal UK farm jobs in 2026.
Challenges and Things to Consider
Before applying, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges:
- Work can be physically demanding, involving long hours outdoors.
- Weather conditions in the UK can be unpredictable (cold and rainy).
- You cannot bring dependants with you under this visa.
- The visa cannot be extended or switched to another category.
Despite these challenges, many workers return each year because of the fair pay, cultural exposure, and reliable employment opportunities.
Available UK Seasonal Farm Jobs 2026
Here are some available popular roles under the Seasonal Worker Visa:
| Job Title | Typical Hourly Rate | Employer Type |
| Fruit Picker | £10.75–£12 | Horticulture Farms |
| Vegetable Harvester | £10.50–£11.50 | Crop Growers |
| Poultry Farm Assistant | £11–£12 | Poultry Producers |
| Packhouse Worker | £10–£11 | Food Processing Plants |
| Greenhouse Worker | £10.50 | Nurseries & Garden Centres |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long can I stay in the UK on a Seasonal Worker Visa?
You can stay for up to 6 months in any 12-month period if you’re working in horticulture. Poultry workers may stay between October and December.
- Do I need to speak English to apply?
No. There’s no English language requirement for this visa, though basic English skills can help at work and in daily life.
- How much can I earn working on UK farms?
Most seasonal workers earn between £10.50 and £12 per hour, depending on their role and employer. Overtime pay may also be available.
- Will my employer provide accommodation?
Yes, most employers offer on-site or nearby housing, with rent deducted from your wages. The cost usually ranges from £50–£80 per week.
- Can I bring my family with me?
No. The Seasonal Worker Visa does not allow dependants. It is strictly for short-term, individual work placements.
Conclusion
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2026 remains one of the best short-term opportunities for international workers seeking UK farm visa jobs. With hourly pay of up to £12, free or affordable housing, and flexible work terms, it’s a great way to earn and explore the British countryside.
If you’re hardworking, adventurous, and ready for hands-on experience in the UK’s agricultural sector, this visa route is worth considering.
Start preparing your documents, apply early through an approved sponsor, and you could be harvesting fruits or tending crops in the UK next season.