Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work)
Overview
You can apply for a Seasonal Worker visa to come to the UK to work in horticulture for up to 6 months - for example, picking fruit and vegetables or flowers.
You can no longer apply to do poultry work, ‘pork butchery’ or to drive a heavy goods vehicle to transport food.
You’ll need to:
- have a sponsor
- meet the other eligibility requirements
This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker - Seasonal Worker visa (T5).
If you or your family member are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
If you or your family member started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.
The deadline to apply was 30 June 2021 for most people. You can still apply if either:
- you have a later deadline - for example, you’re joining a family member in the UK who was living in the UK by 31 December 2020
- you have ‘reasonable grounds’ for being unable to apply by 30 June 2021 - for example, you had an illness or were the victim of domestic abuse
Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.
Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.
How long it takes
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
Getting a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
How much it costs
You will need to:
-
pay the application fee
-
prove you have enough personal savings - check how much in the eligibility requirements
Application fee
The application fee is £259.
How long you can stay
You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months.
You can enter the UK as soon as your visa is valid (up to 14 days before the start date of your job).
What you can and cannot do
You can:
- work in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
- study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
You cannot:
- take a permanent job
- work in a second job or a job that isn’t described in your certificate of sponsorship
- get public funds
- bring family members with you