The UK government has approved the number of seasonal work visas for 2025 that it plans to issue for temporary agricultural work in the horticulture and poultry sectors. Find out what rights, requirements and the procedure for applying for a permit are relevant in 2025

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The UK government has announced that it plans to issue 45,000 seasonal work visas by 2025 to address the shortage of workers in agriculture and poultry. More on the specifics of obtaining a seasonal work visa in Great Britain in 2024 later in this article.

What is a seasonal work visa?

The UK Seasonal Worker visa is a special visa that was designed to replace the Temporary Worker visa. It allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in horticulture and poultry farming in Great Britain. The permit supports UK farmers, growers and poultry farmers by allowing them to hire seasonal labor to meet seasonal labor needs.

How many seasonal visas will be issued in 2025?

The distribution of visas for seasonal workers for 2025 is as follows:

- Horticulture – 43,000 visas for seasonal work (picking fruits, vegetables, and harvesting flowers).

- Poultry farming - from October 2 to December 31, you can get 2,000 work visas to work in the industry.

This allocation aims to ensure a reliable supply of labor while allowing businesses in these sectors to effectively plan for seasonal demand.

 Who can apply for a seasonal worker visa?

In order to obtain a seasonal worker visa, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

- Valid sponsorship

Applicants must have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed UK employer. The sponsor confirms the type of work the applicant will perform in the field of horticulture or poultry.

- Return requirements

Seasonal worker visa holders must leave the UK when their visa expires and cannot switch to another type of visa to stay in the country.

- Personal requirements

1. Candidates must be over 18 years old.

2. Have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job.

3. All applicants must meet the health standards required by the industry.

4. No criminal convictions that could bar you from entering the UK.

5. Availability of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.

6. Have an appropriate health insurance policy.

How long can you work on a seasonal worker visa in the UK?

- Gardening

Seasonal workers can be hired for up to six months to perform the following tasks: picking fruits, vegetables and flowers.

- Poultry breeding

Temporary employment in poultry farming is limited to the period from October 2 to December 31 each year.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

How to apply for a seasonal worker visa?

Step 1 – Get your sponsor certificate

Obtain a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed UK employer who can confirm your work and role in horticulture or poultry farming.

Step 2 – Submit your application

Apply online using the form on the UK Government's immigration portal, providing all required documentation and sponsorship information.

Step 3 – Wait for approval

Processing times for seasonal worker visas can vary, so applicants should apply well in advance of their intended start date to ensure timely visa issuance.

Importantly! Applications for positions in the poultry industry must be submitted by November 15. Applications for gardening positions are accepted year-round.

Seasonal worker visa work available in 2025

The seasonal worker visa covers a variety of work in horticulture and poultry farming:

- Horticulture: planting and transplanting, pruning, weeding and loosening, picking fruits, vegetables, flowers, sorting and packing products, working on operational equipment (tractors, mowers).

- Poultry: feeding birds, cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses, collecting, sorting and packing eggs, catching and loading birds for transport, vaccination and treatment of birds, slaughtering and processing birds (separate roles).

The Seasonal Worker Visa Program offers a vital solution for the UK's horticulture and poultry sectors, supporting business during peak demand seasons while providing temporary work opportunities for foreign nationals.

We will remind you! The UK Skilled Worker visa remains the best and most popular immigration route for professionals looking for work in the UK. We have already told you what kind of permit it is and what conditions for obtaining a visa for a skilled worker in Great Britain are relevant in 2024/2025.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.