Seasonal Worker Visa — United Kingdom

This visa lets you work in temporary farm roles in horticulture or poultry for a defined period. UKVI decides applications, and your permission depends on the sector and the dates you intend to work.

Who it's for

Use this visa if you want to come to the UK for short-term agricultural work.

It applies to jobs in:

• Horticulture (growing, harvesting, or packing crops)
• Poultry production during the permitted seasonal window

You can't use this visa for tourism, business meetings, study, or marriage. If you plan to visit for leisure or family reasons, you'll need a visitor visa.

If you intend to marry or register a civil partnership, apply for a Marriage Visitor visa.

This route is separate from other temporary and sponsored work visas, including:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Charity Worker Visa
• Creative Worker Visa
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa
• International Agreement Visa

Each visa covers different types of work. Choose the category that matches what you'll actually do in the UK.

Sectors and permitted work periods

Your allowed stay depends on your sector.

For horticulture, you can apply at any time and stay for up to six months.

For poultry, you must apply by 15 November. Work is only permitted between 2 October and 31 December.

UKVI grants permission based on these sector rules. There’s no extension beyond the permitted period in this route.

How visa type is determined

Before you apply, confirm this visa matches:

• Why you're coming to the UK
• How long you plan to stay
• The work you'll do
• Your personal circumstances

If your purpose doesn't fit temporary horticulture or poultry work, you'll need to pick another visa.

Short business trips require a visitor route. Skilled, long-term employment may require a Skilled Worker Visa.

Cultural or exchange-based roles might fall under the Creative Worker Visa or Government Authorised Exchange Visa.

UKVI looks at the actual role and sector. The visa type is determined by the work you’ll perform, not by personal preference.

You must pay a fixed application fee and plan for standard UKVI processing times. Costs and timelines differ by route and category, including Form SU07 cases under the Skilled Worker Visa.

Application fees

The UK Seasonal Worker visa application fee is £

1. Pay this fee to UKVI when you submit your online application.

Some other UKVI nationality and certification services have a fee of £428, but these apply to specific notices, certificates, orders, or declarations—not to the Seasonal Worker route.

Work-related routes such as:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Charity Worker Visa
• Creative Worker Visa
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa
• International Agreement Visa

have their own fee structures. Confirm the exact amount for your visa type using UKVI fee guidance before submitting payment.

Fees are payable in pounds sterling (£). UKVI doesn't process your application until payment is complete.

Processing time estimates

UKVI processing times depend on the visa category and where you apply. Always check current timelines with UKVI before making travel plans.

For SU07 applications under the Skilled Worker Visa, the estimated processing time is about 3 weeks as of February

1. This can change depending on location and case volume.

Processing times differ across routes, including:

• Charity Worker Visa
• Creative Worker Visa
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa
• International Agreement Visa

Don't assume timelines for one category apply to another. UKVI assesses each application individually, and delays can happen if documents are missing or need further review.

You must have an approved sponsor and meet financial and suitability rules before UKVI will grant a UK Seasonal Worker visa.

Your application must show a valid job offer, sufficient funds, and complete supporting evidence.

Sponsorship and job offer requirements

You can't apply without a licensed sponsor. Your employer must issue a valid sponsorship record for the seasonal role.

You must show:

• A confirmed job offer for seasonal work
• A valid sponsorship reference from an approved sponsor
• Details matching the role you'll carry out

UKVI checks that your sponsorship is genuine and properly assigned. If your sponsor doesn't meet requirements, UKVI will refuse your application.

The Seasonal Worker route is different from other sponsored routes.

Each route has its own criteria. Apply under the correct category for seasonal work, not under something like the Skilled Worker Visa.

Financial and income requirements

You must meet the minimum income requirement and provide clear financial evidence. UKVI refuses applications with insufficient funds or incomplete documents.

Include:

• Evidence your income meets the required threshold
• Supporting tax records, if applicable
• Employment documents confirming your earnings

All documents should be consistent with your application details. Missing bank statements, incomplete payslips, or unclear records often lead to refusal.

If you aren't sure of the current financial threshold, refer to UKVI's guidance before applying. Prior income or savings don't automatically qualify without documented proof.

Other eligibility checks

UKVI reviews your application for compliance and suitability. Provide accurate information and submit all required documents.

Confirm that:

• Your personal details match across all documents
• Sponsorship information is correct
• You haven't submitted false or misleading information

UKVI may refuse your application if details are incorrect or requirements aren't met. UK Border Force will also check your permission to enter when you arrive.

Prepare your application carefully. Review every document before you submit to reduce the risk of refusal.

You must prove your identity, show required savings, and submit a complete, signed application with supporting evidence. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will assess your documents exactly as submitted, so accuracy and completeness matter.

Identity and ID documents

You must prove your identity as part of your application. Provide valid identity documents that clearly show your name and personal details.

Prepare:

• A valid passport or other accepted identity document
• Any document that confirms your personal details as required by UKVI
• Copies of documents where instructed

Your details should match across all documents. Inconsistent names, dates of birth, or document numbers can delay a decision.

Keep personal and financial information secure when submitting documents. This includes your National Insurance number and any credit card details used during the application process.

Use this checklist before submission:

UKVI will refuse or delay applications that lack clear proof of identity.

Financial and sponsor evidence

You must show proof of personal savings if this is part of your eligibility requirements. Provide documents that clearly demonstrate you meet the financial threshold set out in the official guidance.

Acceptable evidence typically includes documents that show:

• Your name
• The financial institution’s details
• The relevant balance information

Only submit documents that directly support your eligibility. Skip unrelated financial records.

If you’re applying under a different route such as the Skilled Worker Visa, Charity Worker Visa, Creative Worker Visa, Government Authorised Exchange Visa, or International Agreement Visa, check the specific financial rules for that category as outlined by UKVI before submitting.

Form completion, signatures and submission

Complete every required section of the seasonal worker application form. Don’t leave mandatory fields blank.

Follow this process:

1. Download the current form and guidance from UKVI.

2. Read the instructions for your specific eligibility category.

3. Complete all required sections.

4. Sign and date every required signature field.

5. Submit the form with all supporting documents.

An unsigned form will be returned. Missing signatures can cause delays.

Before submission, confirm:

• All required questions are answered
• All supporting documents are included
• Signatures and dates appear where required
• Information matches your identity documents

If you rely on a specific eligibility category, follow the correct instructions for that route. UKVI will assess your application based only on what you submit.