UK seasonal worker scheme confirmed for 2025 – how to apply

The UK government has announced the continuation of its seasonal worker scheme for 2025 to support the UK’s agricultural sector.

The scheme will provide 43,000 seasonal worker visas for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry.

“Confirming the seasonal worker visa allocation for 2025 gives growers and producers certainty, allowing them to plan ahead and secure the labour they need to grow and thrive,” said food minister Daniel Zeichner.

The previous Conservative government confirmed the seasonal worker scheme would be extended for five years in May, but until now the new Labour administration hadn’t confirmed it would continue.

“This government recognises that food security is national security, and this can only be achieved by supporting food and farming businesses,” added Mr Zeichner.

How to apply

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.

To do either, you’ll need to be 18 or over when you apply and have both the following:

• A certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor;
• Enough money to support yourself in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available. This can be avoided if your sponsor can support you instead.

The application fee costs £298. You can stay in the UK for up to six months for horticulture work and from 2 October to 31 December each year for poultry work.

You can apply up to three months before the day you are due to start. You’ll usually get a decision within three weeks of applying.