UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2025 Application Form Portal is open – See Changes and Eligibility

UK government has announced that it will grant 45,000 Seasonal Worker visas in 2025 to address labour shortages in the agriculture and poultry sectors.

With 43,000 visas allocated for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry, this decision aims to support the UK’s food production industry while encouraging innovation and automation.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Seasonal Worker visa, its eligibility requirements, and what applicants should know.

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What is UK Seasonal Worker Visa?

UK Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in the UK’s horticulture and poultry sectors.

This visa supports farmers, growers, and poultry producers by enabling them to hire seasonal labour to meet industry demands during peak periods

Introduced to replace the Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5), the program provides a structured route for temporary employment in the UK’s food production industry.

2025 Seasonal Visa Allocation: Important Facts

The Seasonal Worker visa allocation for 2025 confirms:

• Horticulture: 43,000 visas for seasonal roles such as fruit and vegetable picking and flower harvesting.
• Poultry: 2,000 visas for workers are needed between October 2 and December 31 for poultry processing and related tasks.

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This distribution aims to ensure a reliable labour supply while allowing businesses in these sectors to plan effectively for seasonal demand.

Extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Program

In May 2024, the UK government extended the Seasonal Worker visa route for an additional five years, securing its availability until 2029. This move aims to give businesses time to:

• Invest in Automation: The UK government has earmarked up to £50 million to fund advancements in robotics and technology to reduce reliance on migrant labour.
• Shift to Sustainable Practices: By promoting automated systems, the government hopes to create sustainable long-term solutions for the food supply chain.

Who Can Apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa?

Applicants need to fulfil specific requirements to qualify for a Seasonal Worker visa, including:

Valid Sponsorship: Applicants must have a sponsorship certificate from a licensed UK employer. The sponsor confirms the type of work the applicant will undertake in the horticulture or poultry sector.

Return Requirement: Seasonal Worker visa holders must leave the UK when their visa period ends and cannot switch to other visa types while in the country.

Other Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for a Seasonal Worker visa, you must

• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Meet specific skill requirements: Possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the job role.
• Health and Safety: All applicants should meet the health standards required for the sector.
• Have a clean criminal record: Do not have any criminal convictions that could bar you from entering the UK.
• Have adequate funds: Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
• Have appropriate health insurance: Coverage for any potential medical emergencies.

UK Seasonal Work Duration

• Horticulture: Seasonal workers can be employed for up to six months for tasks such as fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and flower picking.
• Poultry: Temporary employment in poultry is limited to the period from October 2 to December 31 each year.

When and How to Apply for UK Seasonal Work Visa

• Poultry Seasonal Worker Visa: Applications for poultry roles must be submitted by November 15 each year to accommodate the seasonal peak in late fall.
• Horticulture Seasonal Worker Visa: Applications for horticulture positions are accepted year-round, allowing flexibility based on seasonal demand.

Steps to Apply for the 2025 UK Seasonal Work Visa

To apply for the Seasonal Worker visa, prospective workers should:

1. Obtain a Sponsor Certificate: Secure a sponsorship from a licensed UK employer who can certify your employment and role in horticulture or poultry.

2. Submit the Application: Complete the application online through the UK government’s immigration portal (www.gov.uk), providing all necessary documentation and sponsorship details.

What Jobs Are Available?

The Seasonal Worker Visa covers various roles in horticulture and poultry, each with specific duties and skill requirements.

Horticulture

• Planting and transplanting
• Pruning and trimming
• Weeding and hoeing
• Harvesting fruits, vegetables, and flowers
• Grading and packing produce
• Operating machinery (tractors, mowers)

Poultry

• Feeding and watering birds
• Cleaning and disinfecting poultry houses
• Collecting, grading, and packing eggs
• Catching and loading birds for transport
• Vaccinating and medicating birds
• Slaughtering and processing birds (certain roles)

Future Plans and Technological Investments

The UK government’s commitment to advancing technology in agriculture reflects its intent to balance labour needs with innovative solutions