The UK Seasonal Employment Visa caters to individuals with a job offer in the UK for seasonal roles in horticulture or poultry production from a sanctioned scheme operator.

For those in the horticulture sector, the visa allows a maximum stay of six months within a year. Poultry workers can reside in the UK starting from 2 October up to 31 December annually.

However, this visa doesn’t lead to permanent settlement, and dependents cannot accompany the visa holder.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Seasonal Employment Visa

To be eligible:

• You must be 18 years or older.
• Possess a legitimate ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ from your UK employer detailing your job role.
• Your role should be either in ‘horticulture’ or ‘poultry production’.
• Ensure you have at least £1,270 for a minimum of 28 days, or your employer guarantees this amount for your first UK month.
• The visa application fee and the Immigration Health Charge should be settled, along with necessary biometric data.
• You shouldn’t be declined based on general refusal reasons.

It’s essential to have a job offer from a Home Office endorsed sponsor. Note, at Highwood Solicitors, UK, we don’t arrange UK job offers or sponsor visa candidates.

Roles Suitable for the UK Seasonal Employment Visa

For horticulture, your job role should involve farming produce like:

• Protected or Field Vegetables
• Soft Fruits
• Top Fruits (Orchard Fruits)
• Vines and Bines
• Mushrooms
• Bulbs and flowers (outdoors/indoors)
• Pot plants
• Hardy ornamental nursery stock
• Tree and forest nurseries

For poultry production, roles include:

• Butcher, Bird/game dresser
• Killer and plucker, Poulterer
• Poultry processor and more.

Certificate of Sponsorship Essentials

You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from:

• An A-rated sponsor as per the Home Office’s list
• A sponsor endorsed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the Seasonal Worker scheme
• A sponsor licensed by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

Additional details about the CoS can be found on the official Home Office website.

Financial Requirements for the UK Seasonal Employment Visa

You must showcase funds of at least £1,270 or have a guarantee from your employer for the same amount, confirmed on your CoS.

Application Details

Applications should be made from outside the UK. The best time to apply is three months before your job commencement date, as mentioned in your CoS. Expect a decision within three weeks.

The Home Office application fee stands at £244. However, nationals from certain countries get a £55 reduction.

Duration and Conditions

Horticulture sector workers can stay for the job duration on their CoS plus an additional 28 days or up to six months in any year, whichever is shorter. For poultry sector workers, the duration is from 2 October to 31 December of the application year.

As a visa holder, you can work in the sponsored job and undertake some study courses. You can’t opt for permanent roles, work a second job or avail of public funds.

Switching and Refusals

Switching between temporary work routes or to the UK Seasonal Employment Visa is not feasible.

In case of a refusal, you might be eligible for a reapplication or Administrative Review.

How Highwood Solicitors Can Assist

At Highwood Solicitors, our adept immigration solicitors excel in guiding both employers and skilled workers. We assist with planning, ensuring you begin work on time and align your career trajectory with immigration objectives.

Our commitment to offering precise, trustworthy immigration counsel is unwavering. We believe in professional, amiable service. Reach out to us at +44 (0) 1206523714 for detailed guidance.