Looking to move to the UK for a short-term job opportunity? The 2025 UK Seasonal Worker Visa could be your perfect entry point. With 45,000 visas allocated this year, it opens up real possibilities for those seeking legal employment in the UK—especially in the agriculture and poultry sectors.
What Is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?
This visa allows overseas applicants to take up temporary roles in UK agriculture, including fruit picking, flower harvesting, and poultry production. It’s a fantastic opportunity for individuals searching for jobs in the UK that don’t require long-term commitment or advanced degrees.
Breakdown of the 2025 Quota
Why the Quota Matters
The annual quota determines how many foreign nationals can legally enter the UK for seasonal agricultural work. For applicants, this means:
Competition: With a fixed number of places, early and accurate applications are essential. Once the quota is filled, no more visas are issued until the next year.
Sector-Specific Opportunities: Most places are in horticulture, making it the most accessible route. Poultry roles are limited and available only in a short window each year.
No Pathway to Settlement: This visa is temporary — up to 6 months for horticulture or October 2 to December 31 for poultry — and does not lead to permanent residency or allow family members to accompany the worker.
Application Timeline and Process
Horticulture: Applications are open year-round, and work can last up to 6 months in any 12-month period.
Poultry: Applications must be submitted by November 15, with work permitted only between October 2 and December 31.
Applicants need a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved operator, must show at least £1,270 in savings (held for 28 consecutive days), and pay a £319 application fee.
What This Means for Applicants in 2025
Plan Early: With limited spots, especially for poultry, early application is crucial.
Focus on Horticulture: With 43,000 places, horticulture offers the best chance for seasonal work in the UK.
Temporary Opportunity: The visa is for short-term employment only, with no path to settlement or family accompaniment.
Positive Worker Experience: Surveys show over 90% of seasonal workers report a positive experience, and 95% would like to return, reflecting the program’s appeal.
Final Thoughts:
The 2025 UK Seasonal Worker visa quotas create significant opportunities for those seeking temporary agricultural work, especially in horticulture. With clear caps and defined application periods, early preparation and understanding sector allocations are key to a successful application. For many, this visa is a gateway to valuable international work experience and a chance to support the UK’s agricultural sector.
FAQS
Applicants must be 18 or older and have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence. You will also need a Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of at least £1,270 in savings held for 28 consecutive days, and the ability to pay the £319 visa fee.
The visa covers seasonal jobs primarily in horticulture (such as fruit picking, flower harvesting, and vegetable farming) and poultry production (such as processing and packing). Horticulture roles are available year-round, while poultry jobs are restricted to the period from October 2 to December 31.
No, the UK Seasonal Worker Visa is a temporary visa that does not lead to permanent residency. Family members are not allowed to accompany the worker under this visa route.
For horticulture, applications are open throughout the year. For poultry roles, applications must be submitted by November 15, and work is allowed only between October 2 and December 31. Early application is strongly advised due to limited quotas.
