What is the Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work) of the UK???

A candidate who is 18 or over can apply for a Seasonal Worker visa to come to the UK and work in either-

• The area of horticulture for up to 6 months i.e. picking fruits, vegetables or flowers which can be applied at any time of the year or,
• Poultry from 2nd October to 31st December, in the same year. One needs to apply for Poultry Seasonal Worker visas by 15th November each year.

The candidate should have a certificate of sponsorship (valid for 3 months from the date of issuance) reference number from a UK sponsor and should have adequate money, specifically £1,270 available in one’s bank account to support one’s living in the UK. This should have been maintained for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. The employer must make sure to follow the rules of the UK regarding working hours and pay at least a minimum wage i.e. £10.85 for 18 to 20 years of age and £12.71 for 21 years of age and over to ensure successful outcome of the visa application. One will also need to prove their identity and provide other stated relevant documents (if asked by the Home Office). Any documents that are in languages other then English or Welsh should be certified and translated by a valid professional.

The application fee is £319.

One can expect to get the decision of the VISA within 3 weeks.

The length of the stay lasts for up to 6 months for horticulture work. For poultry work, it’s from 2 October to 31 December each year. One can enter the UK as soon as their visa gets valid i.e. up to 14 days before the start date of one’s job.

Under this VISA, one can work in the job as specified in the certificate of sponsorship or study. One cannot, however, take a permanent job; work in a second job or a job that is not either way stated or described in the certificate of sponsorship; access or get public funds; or bring family members.