Start your UK adventure with your hands in the soil and a stable income in your pocket. The UK Seasonal Agricultural Work Visa is your accessible ticket to working abroad, offering a guaranteed minimum wage of £10-11 per hour and full visa sponsorship. No degree? No problem. This is your chance to earn, travel, and build international experience.
Details of UK Seasonal Work Visa Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Key Points
- Job Title: Seasonal Agricultural Worker
- Location: Across the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Eligible Nationalities: Open to applicants from most countries worldwide
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Visa Duration: Up to 6 months
- Visa Sponsorship: Yes (Mandatory – you must have a Certificate of Sponsorship)
- Typical Salary: £11.44 per hour (UK National Minimum Wage as of April 2024) or the agricultural minimum wage, whichever is higher. Many employers pay a piece rate that can increase earnings during peak harvest.
Key Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK government-approved scheme operator (see list below).
- Have a minimum of £1,270 in personal savings for at least 28 consecutive days prior to your visa application (unless fully sponsored by your employer).
- Be 18 or over at the time of application.
- Intend to work in an eligible role in horticulture or poultry.
- Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Provide a valid passport and a clean criminal recor
Types of Work & Employers
You will be employed in seasonal roles such as
- Fruit Picking & Packing: Strawberries, apples, berries, and stone fruits.
- Vegetable Harvesting: Asparagus, potatoes, leafy greens, salad vegetables.
- Flower & Plant Cultivation: In nurseries and greenhouses.
- Poultry Work: Seasonal roles around Christmas (limited numbers).
You cannot apply directly to a farm. You must go through one of the government-licensed Scheme Operators (recruitment agencies). Major operators include:
- Concordia
- Pro-Force Ltd
- AG Recruitment
- Fruitful Jobs
- EF English First Farms (for specific nationalities)
Benefits of the Seasonal Worker Visa
- Legal Pathway: A fully compliant route to work in UK with a dedicated sponsor.
- Guarded Rights: You are protected by UK employment law, including minimum wage, safe working conditions, and paid holiday accrual.
- Accommodation: Most operators provide or arrange affordable accommodation (costs are deducted from wages, subject to legal limits).
- Travel Opportunity: A chance to live in and explore the UK for up to six months.
- International Experience: Valuable for your CV, demonstrating adaptability and a strong work ethic.
Visa Costs
- Visa Application Fee: Approximately £259.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 for the 6-month period.
- Proof of Funds: You must show you have £1,270 (unless certified by your sponsor).
- Travel & Miscellaneous: Flights, insurance, and initial personal expenses.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Find a Licensed Scheme Operator: Research and apply directly to one of the approved operators listed on the UK government website. Do not pay large fees to unofficial agents.
- Secure a Job Offer & CoS: If successful, the operator will offer you a job and issue your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather your passport, proof of savings, and a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if required for your country.
- Apply Online: Complete the visa application on the UK Government’s official website (GOV.UK). Pay the visa fee and IHS.
- Biometrics Appointment: Attend an appointment at a visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photo.
- Decision & Travel: Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. Book your travel and coordinate your start date with your operator.
Important Considerations
- Temporary Status: This is not a permanent migration pathway. You must leave the UK when your visa expires.
- Tied to Your Sponsor: You are legally required to work for the employer and in the role specified on your CoS.
- Physical Work: The jobs are demanding and involve long hours of manual labour outdoors.
Conclusion
In summary, the UK Seasonal Agricultural Work Visa is a unique and accessible program that provides a legitimate gateway for international workers to enter UK job market. Offering guaranteed minimum pay, employer-sponsored visas, and valuable international work experience, it represents a low-barrier opportunity to earn a competitive wage while living in UK for up to six months. By connecting with a licensed sponsor and preparing your application, you can turn the dream of working in the United Kingdom into a tangible, rewarding reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for a seasonal agricultural worker in UK?
Employers are required to pay at least the minimum wage of £10.42 per hour . In practice, most seasonal farm jobs pay approximately £11 per hour, with weekly earnings typically ranging from £400 to £500 based on hours worked.
Do I need a degree or prior experience to apply?
No, there are no strict educational requirements. While at least 3 months of farm experience is preferred by many employers, it is not always mandatory. A willingness to perform physical outdoor work is the most important qualification.
