This page covers the following topics

Introduction

The UK Short-term work visas are a part of the Tier 5 visas and come under the UK’s Point-based system. The UK Short-term work visas are also known as ‘Temporary Workers Visas’
The visas under this category are listed below:

  1. UK Charity Worker visa.
  2. UK Creative Worker visa.
  3. UK Government Authorized Exchange visa.
  4. UK International Agreement visa.
  5. UK Religious Worker visa.
  6. UK Seasonal Work visa.
  7. UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
  8. UK Graduate visa.

UK Seasonal Worker visa – Overview

Applicants can apply for a UK Seasonal Worker visa to come to the UK to work in the horticulture sector for up to 6 months. For example, picking fruit/vegetables/flowers.

Eligibility criteria List of documents
The eligibility criteria for a UK Seasonal Worker visa are listed below:

  • The applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from their UK sponsor.
  • The applicant must have enough money to support their stay in the UK – a minimum of £1,270 in the applicant’s bank account is mandatory.
  • The money must be available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.
  • The applicant must be 18 years old or above 18 years when they apply.
 The documents required to apply for a UK Seasonal Worker visa are listed below:

  • A Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer.
  • A valid passport with enough blank pages for the visa, and other documents that prove the identity and nationality of the applicant.
  • Evidence of enough personal savings to support the applicant’s stay in the UK. For example, bank statements.
  • The applicant will need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for a UK Seasonal Worker visa

  • Yes, the applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer before they can apply to come to the UK to work.
  • The UK-based employer – also known as a ‘Sponsor’ – must provide the applicant with a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ stating all the information with regard to the job role for which the applicant is employed in the UK.
  • It’s an e-Certificate. That means, it is an electronic record and not a paper document.
  • The applicant will need the reference number from the Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for the visa.

Applying for a UK Seasonal Worker visa

The applicant can apply for a UK Seasonal Worker visa up to 3 months before the day they are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Permitted and not permitted in the UK on a UK Seasonal Worker visa

The applicant is permitted to:

  • Study (for some courses).
  • Work for the sponsor in the job described on the applicant’s Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • Do a second job in the same sector at the same level as the applicant’s main job for up to 20 hours per week.

The applicant is not permitted to:

  • Bring family members.
  • Take a permanent job.
  • Work in a second job or a job that isn’t described on the Certificate of Sponsorship.
  • Get public funds.

Bringing a partner and children to the UK on a UK Seasonal Worker visa

No, the applicant CAN NOT bring along a partner and children to the UK as their ‘dependants’.

People also ask

How to apply for a UK Seasonal Worker visa?

The applicant must apply online for a UK Seasonal Worker visa.

Once applied online, submitted identity proofs, and provided valid documents, the applicant will usually get a decision on their visa application within 3 weeks.

The applicant is required to pay:

  • The application fee, which is £259 (application fees updated as of May 2022).

    • The applicant can stay for up to 6 months in the UK on a UK Seasonal Worker visa.
  • The applicant can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of their job.

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