UK Seasonal Work Visa: How to Get a Seasonal Work Permit in the UK?
To meet the demand for seasonal labor and ensure a smooth flow of the workforce the UK government has introduced the Seasonal Work Visa, opening up exciting avenues for individuals to explore and contribute to the country’s thriving industries.
The United Kingdom has long been a sought-after destination for individuals seeking seasonal employment opportunities. From picturesque countryside farms to bustling city-based industries, the UK offers a plethora of seasonal job opportunities for international workers.
UK seasonal work visa
Any candidate from any nation may travel to the UK on a temporary work visa for a seasonal job, such as picking fruit and vegetables, harvesting flowers, caring for poultry, or working in horticulture. You are allowed to work and stay in the UK for up to 6 months with this visa.
It should be noted that depending on the nature of job, different application windows apply for seasonal work visas. For instance, the application deadline for UK seasonal worker visas for the poultry industry is always November 15th. On the other hand, you can apply for horticulture UK seasonal worker visas at any time of the year.
Please be aware that you are prohibited from doing the following while holding a UK Seasonal Worker visa:
- Get a job that is permanent
- Work a second job or any work that isn't shown in your sponsorship certificate
- Use government funds
- Bring your family along with you if you have this type of visa
UK seasonal work visa jobs
There are many interesting seasonal job options in the UK. Retail, hospitality, delivery driving, customer service representative, warehouse operations, social media help, personal gift-shopping, and other employment in summer and winter resorts are just a few of the well-liked career paths. Furthermore, there are seasonal employment opportunities in agriculture, summer camps, language schools, sports organizations, hotels, and the hospitality sector. People looking for seasonal work are guaranteed to be able to locate a suitable position in their desired industry because to the wide range of alternatives.
You can use the Find a Job website offered by the UK government to find a comprehensive collection of available seasonal jobs in the UK. You can conduct focused searches for seasonal work using this official portal based on variables like region, industry, and job type. By using this website as a resource, you can simplify your job search and identify seasonal positions that suit your needs and tastes.
UK seasonal worker salary
The salary for seasonal workers in the UK can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific industry, the type of work, the region, and the employer. Typically, seasonal workers are employed in industries like agriculture, hospitality, tourism, and retail during peak seasons.
In the agricultural sector, seasonal workers may be paid based on the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage, depending on their age.
- Age 23 and above (National Living Wage): £8.91 per hour
- Age 21 to 22: £8.36 per hour
- Age 18 to 20: £6.56 per hour
- Under 18: £4.62 per hour
- Apprentices (under 19 or in the first year of apprenticeship): £4.30 per hour
UK seasonal work visa sponsorship
A licensed employer must sponsor you in order to be qualified to work as a seasonal employee in the UK. In order to receive sponsorship, one must obtain a certificate containing both personal and important job-related information. In order to continue to be legitimate, the certificate of sponsorship must accurately confirm the applicant’s name and make it clear that they are being sponsored as a seasonal worker.
Companies must be included on the UK Home Office’s list in order to sponsor seasonal employees. This extensive list includes all authorized businesses that can sponsor visas. It is a useful tool that offers crucial details on the precise types of workers that each organization is permitted to sponsor along with their sponsorship ranking.
UK seasonal work visa required documents and eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and have the following qualifications to be eligible for a UK seasonal work visa:
- A passport that is still valid or other proof of identity and nationality
- Your UK sponsor's Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number A CoS is a special identifying code that contains details about the position you are being sponsored for as well as your personal information. Beginning on the date of issuance, the CoS is still in effect for three months.
- Enough money to cover your expenses in the UK: Unless you are excluded, you must typically show that you have a minimum of GBP 1,270 accessible. The money must have been held continuously for at least 28 days, and the 28th day must occur no later than 31 days after you submitted an application for a visa.
In addition, all documents other than your passport that are not in English or Welsh must be submitted with a certified translation.
UK seasonal work visa application
To obtain a UK Seasonal Worker visa, you must apply online. You must provide identification documentation as part of your application. Depending on your nationality and the type of passport you have, there are many ways to prove your identity. You can either use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your identity document or have your fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application centre. Additionally, you will have to register for or log into a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
UK seasonal work visa fee
You must pay the required £259 cost in order to submit a valid application for a Seasonal Worker visa. You must also show confirmation that you have access to a minimum of £1,270 to support your stay in the UK in addition to the application fee.
What Is the Processing Time for the Seasonal Worker Visa?
The seasonal worker visa typically takes three weeks to process. Depending on your circumstances, getting a decision can take more time.
Duration of the UK Seasonal Worker Visa
The six-month validity period of the UK seasonal worker visa. Up to two weeks prior to the start of your job, you are permitted to enter the UK whenever your visa is prepared.
Can I Extend the UK Seasonal Worker Visa?
The visa for Seasonal Workers is not extendable. A Seasonal Worker visa only allows you to stay in the UK for a total of six months.
Can I Switch to the Seasonal Worker Visa?
You cannot change from another visa route to the Seasonal Worker visa. Only those who are outside of the UK are eligible to apply for the Seasonal Worker visa.
Can I Obtain ILR with the Seasonal Worker Visa?
The seasonal worker visa does not allow for indefinite leave to remain. You must apply for a different visa that enables you to submit an ILR (indefinite leave to remain) application if you want to reside permanently in the UK.
Can I Bring Dependents to the UK With the Seasonal Worker Visa?
The seasonal worker visa does not allow for the entry of dependents. Family members, like your spouse and kids, are not permitted to travel with you on this visa route.
