In 2025, the UK government plans to issue 45,000 visas for seasonal workers, aiming to support the country’s food production sector by addressing critical labor shortages, particularly in agriculture and poultry.
The seasonal worker visa scheme is designed to ensure an available workforce during peak demand times, providing essential roles for food production businesses. Of these 45,000 visas, 2,000 will specifically target poultry workers needed to support processing tasks from October to December.
This seasonal workforce allocation is part of a wider government strategy to help businesses meet the challenges of labor scarcity, especially during high-demand periods. Through this initiative, employers can maintain productivity and operational stability.
Eligibility Criteria for the Seasonal Worker VisaTo be eligible for the Seasonal Worker visa, applicants must meet a set of requirements. They must:
1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Secure valid sponsorship from a UK employer who holds a license for hiring under this scheme.
3. Meet the necessary health and safety standards specific to the job.
4. Demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
5. Hold valid health insurance coverage for their time in the UK.
Importantly, those on a Seasonal Worker visa must exit the UK when their employment period concludes, as the visa type does not allow for changes or extensions while in the country.
Roles Available for Seasonal Workers and the Application Process
The Seasonal Worker visa covers various positions within the horticulture and poultry industries. Horticulture roles may involve tasks like planting, pruning, weeding, harvesting, and packing produce, while poultry positions typically include responsibilities such as feeding and caring for birds, egg collection, and processing.
To apply for this visa, prospective workers need to obtain a certificate of sponsorship from an eligible UK employer. Once they have secured sponsorship, applicants can complete their visa submission through the UK government’s online immigration portal.
For poultry roles, applicants should submit their applications by November 15 each year. In contrast, applications for horticulture roles are open year-round, providing flexibility for candidates to apply as opportunities arise.
This seasonal visa scheme is structured to help ensure that food production businesses across the UK can operate smoothly during their busiest times, while offering opportunities for temporary international labor in these critical sectors.
