UK Seasonal Worker visa (Temporary Work) 2023

What is the Seasonal Worker Scheme?

The SWS scheme was introduced in 2019 as a test pilot, originally run by two operators.

As announced by the government on the 24th of December 2021, the scheme has been extended until the end of 2024, increasing the number of work permits to 30,000 and a further 10,000 to be added if deemed necessary. And increasing the number of scheme Operators to four.

In 2023 the scheme has been extended to 40,000 and 6 operators.

There is also a specific Poultry visa.

Under the scheme the operators act as sponsors under the immigration framework (tier 5).

The scheme allows for the supply of workers to the edible and ornamental horticultural sector, which is defined by Defra as:

• Protected Vegetables (glasshouse production)
• Field Vegetables (outside production including herbs, leafy salads and potatoes)
• Soft Fruits (outdoor and covered)
• Top Fruits
• Vines and Bines (hops and Grapes)
• Mushrooms.
• bulbs and cut flowers, such as daffodils, grown outdoors and indoors
• Pot plants, such as seasonal bedding plants like pansies, violas, germaniums and poinsettias
• Hardy ornamental nursery stock such as Christmas trees, shrubs, roses
• Ornamental trees and perennials
• Tree and forest nurseries

The visa is for a maximum period of 6 months and workers can only be in the UK on the visa once in 12 months – there must be clear break of 6 months between visas.

You can apply for a Seasonal Worker visa to come to the UK and work in:

• horticulture for up to 6 months – for example, picking fruit and vegetables or flowers
• poultry from 2 October to 31 December, in the same year

You need to apply for poultry Seasonal Worker visas by 15 November each year.

You can apply for horticulture Seasonal Worker visas at any time of year.

You’ll need to:

• have a sponsor
• meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5).

In 2023 the scheme has been extended to 6 operators and to hire 45,000 temporary workers worldwide through the UK Seasonal work visa scheme, potentially increasing the quota to 10,000 if needed.

Accommodation is normally available on the placement, generally this is mobile home accommodation, shared with other workers. rent varies, but as a guideline £63.70 per week is normal.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK:

• up to 6 months for horticulture work
• from 18 October to 31 December each year for poultry work

You can enter the UK as soon as your visa is valid (up to 14 days before the start date of your job).

What you can and cannot do

You can:

• work in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)

You cannot:

• take a permanent job
• work in a second job or a job that isn’t described in your certificate of sponsorship
• get public funds
• bring family members with you

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship is a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document.

Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number.

You’ll need to add your certificate of sponsorship reference number to your visa application form – you can only use it once.