Seasonal Jobs in the UK 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the UK Seasonal Worker Visa
Seasonal jobs in the UK remain one of the most popular opportunities for overseas workers seeking temporary employment in 2026. From fruit picking and vegetable harvesting to poultry production and farm packing, thousands of vacancies become available each year across the UK’s agriculture and food production sectors.
The UK Seasonal Worker visa allows eligible overseas workers to take up temporary roles in horticulture and poultry production. However, applicants must meet UK immigration requirements and be sponsored by an approved scheme operator.
What Are Seasonal Jobs in the UK?
Seasonal jobs are temporary positions available during peak periods when employers require additional staff. Most seasonal opportunities are found in agriculture, horticulture, and food production.
Common seasonal roles include:
- Fruit picking
- Vegetable harvesting
- Crop planting
- Flower picking
- Greenhouse work
- Farm packing
- Orchard work
- Poultry production
- General farm labour
Many of these jobs involve physical work, including lifting, standing for long periods, and working outdoors in different weather conditions. Most employers provide training, making these roles suitable for people with little or no previous farming experience.
Best Seasonal Jobs in the UK for 2026
1. Fruit Picking Jobs
Fruit picking remains one of the UK’s most popular seasonal jobs.
Workers may harvest:
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Cherries
- Other seasonal fruits
Responsibilities often include picking, sorting, grading, and packing fruit for distribution.
2. Vegetable Harvesting Jobs
Vegetable farms recruit seasonal workers to assist with:
- Planting
- Harvesting
- Sorting
- Packing produce
Typical crops include:
- Potatoes
- Leafy vegetables
- Herbs
- Salad crops
- Greenhouse-grown vegetables
3. Flower and Plant Jobs
Many horticultural businesses hire seasonal workers to:
- Grow flowers
- Harvest plants
- Prepare flowers for sale
- Pack products for distribution
These jobs are commonly available in greenhouses, nurseries, and commercial flower farms.
4. Farm Packing Jobs
Packing roles involve preparing agricultural products for supermarkets and wholesalers.
Typical duties include:
- Sorting produce
- Grading products
- Packing fruit and vegetables
- Quality checking
These positions are usually based in farm packing facilities or food production centres.
5. Poultry Production Jobs
The Seasonal Worker route also covers certain poultry production roles.
Workers may assist with poultry production during the seasonal period, which generally runs from 2 October to 31 December.
Applications typically close around 15 November, although deadlines may vary.
UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2026
The Seasonal Worker visa is designed for people aged 18 and over who want to work temporarily in the UK’s horticulture or poultry sectors.
2026 Seasonal Worker Quota
The UK has allocated:
- 41,000 places for horticulture workers
- 1,900 places for poultry workers
These quotas may change based on government policy.
How Long Can You Stay?
Under the Seasonal Worker route:
- Horticulture workers can usually stay for up to six months within any 10-month period.
- Poultry workers may work only during the approved seasonal period.
The Seasonal Worker visa is temporary and does not lead to permanent residence (settlement).
Workers also cannot bring dependants under this visa.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants generally must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Obtain a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Have an eligible seasonal job offer
- Meet UK immigration requirements
- Meet any financial requirements
- Hold a valid passport and supporting documents
- Apply before travelling to the UK
Applicants must be sponsored through an approved Seasonal Worker scheme operator before applying for a visa.
How to Apply for Seasonal Jobs in the UK
Step 1: Find an Approved Employer
Apply only through legitimate employers or approved Seasonal Worker scheme operators authorised to sponsor overseas workers.
Step 2: Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
If selected, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) containing details of your role and employment dates.
Step 3: Apply for Your Visa
Once you receive your CoS, you can submit your Seasonal Worker visa application online.
Applications can usually be made up to three months before your employment starts.
Most applications are processed within three weeks after completing identity verification and submitting the required documents.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
You may need:
- A valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of personal savings (where required)
- Identity documents
- Additional supporting documents requested during the application
Always check the latest UK government guidance before applying.
Visa Fee
The current application fee for the UK Seasonal Worker visa is:
£340
Some applicants may also need to show they have sufficient personal savings unless exempt.
What Seasonal Workers Can and Cannot Do
You Can:
- Work in the role listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Study in certain circumstances
You Cannot:
- Take permanent employment
- Work in jobs outside your sponsorship
- Claim public funds
- Bring family members as dependants
- Use this visa as a direct route to settlement
Beware of Seasonal Job Scams
Unfortunately, recruitment scams targeting overseas workers remain common.
Be cautious if a recruiter:
- Guarantees a UK visa
- Charges excessive recruitment fees
- Offers jobs without sponsorship
- Refuses to provide employer details
- Requests payment through unofficial channels
- Promises permanent residence through seasonal work
Always verify employers and recruitment agencies before making any payments.
Is Seasonal Work in the UK Worth It?
Seasonal jobs provide valuable opportunities for people seeking temporary work and international experience.
However, applicants should understand that these roles often involve:
- Physically demanding work
- Long hours
- Outdoor conditions
- Rural locations
The Seasonal Worker visa is temporary, meaning workers must leave the UK once their visa expires.
Final Thoughts
Seasonal jobs in the UK continue to create thousands of employment opportunities each year, particularly across horticulture and poultry production.
If you’re interested in working in the UK, make sure you:
- Secure a genuine sponsored job
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
- Meet all visa requirements
- Apply through approved recruitment channels
Always refer to the latest UK government guidance before applying, and never pay money to unofficial recruiters or individuals promising guaranteed visas.
