#How to Apply for UK Seasonal Worker Visa – 2024 Entry

Who is Eligible for UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

To qualify for the Seasonal Worker visa, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must be over the age of 18.
• You must have a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK employer. The CoS is an electronic document that you will receive from your UK sponsor. You will need the CoS reference number when applying for the Seasonal Worker visa. The certificate of sponsorship is valid for three months and you can use the reference number only once.
  
  • You must have at least £1,270 to support yourself. The money must be available for 28 days from the date of your application. You don’t need to fulfill this condition if your UK sponsor will be supporting you instead. The certificate of sponsorship must state that your UK employer will cover you for the first month with at least £1,270.
  • You must have a horticulture job.

  What Documents Do You Need To Apply For A Seasonal Visa in The UK?

  You must prepare the following documents for the Seasonal Worker visa:

  • A valid passport with a blank page for your visa.
  • The CoS reference number given by your sponsor.
  • Bank statements or any other document that proves you have sufficient money to support yourself in the UK.
  • You must have a certified translation of any document that is not in English or Welsh.

  How to Apply for UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

  To apply for a UK Seasonal Work Visa, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements and submit an application through the UK government website.

  Here are the steps to apply for a UK Seasonal Work Visa:

  • Fill out the application form on the UK Government’s Visas and immigration website [www.gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa/apply].
  • Upload your photographed and scanned documents on the online portal.
  • Pay the sum of £259 as a visa fee upon completion of your application.
  • Book an appointment with a visa application center.

  When can I Apply for UK Seasonal Work Visa?

  You have the option to apply for horticulture Seasonal Worker visas throughout the year, while poultry Seasonal Worker visas must be applied for by November 15th annually.

  How much is Seasonal Worker Visa Application Fee?

  The Home Office application fee for a Temporary Work–Seasonal Worker Visa application is currently £298.

  However, you must have at least £1,270 available to show that you can support yourself in the UK. The fund must be held for at least 28 consecutive days ending not more than 31 days before the date of your Seasonal Worker Visa application.

  An exemption is available for those whose employer can cover their costs during their first month in the UK to an amount of at least £1,270, if necessary.  Your sponsor will need to confirm this on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

  How long does it take to get a Seasonal Work Visa in the UK?

  Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

  Before that, you must;

  • Apply outside UK
  • Apply up to 3 months before the date on which you are due to start work.

  What is the Duration of UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

  If you apply for a Seasonal Worker Visa to work in the agricultural sector and your application is successful,

  • Your Visa is valid for 6 months.
  • You will be granted permission to enter and stay in the UK starting 14 days prior to the job period specified on the Certificate of Sponsorship and extending for 14 days after that period.

  Types of companies that Sponsor Seasonal Visas in the UK

  Companies that sponsor seasonal visas in the UK are generally those in areas that experience labor shortages during peak season.

  These sectors include;

  • Horticulture Companies: Sponsor seasonal workers for tasks such as landscaping, gardening, and tree planting.
  • Agricultural Companies: Sponsor seasonal workers for agricultural labor such as planting and harvesting crops.
  • Food Processing Companies: Sponsor seasonal workers for tasks such as packing and packaging food products.

  You can apply for UK seasonal work job here.

  Pros & Cons of Being a Seasonal Worker in the UK

  Pros

  As a UK seasonal worker

  • You can work as specified in your certificate of sponsorship.
  • You can study during your visa validity.
  • • You must take only temporary employment.

    Cons

    • Additional jobs outside your certificate of sponsorship are prohibited.
    • Access to public funds is not permitted.
    • Bringing dependents is not allowed.
    • Permanent settlement in the UK is not permitted.