Looking to work in the UK in 2026? Discover top seasonal jobs with visa sponsorship in farming, fruit picking, and hospitality under the UK Seasonal Worker Visa. Learn how to apply, salary details, and key benefits.
Are you dreaming of working in the UK in 2026 without a degree or years of experience? The UK Seasonal Worker Visa could be your best opportunity. Designed to help UK employers fill short-term labor shortages, this visa allows foreign nationals to work in industries like farming, fruit picking, horticulture, and hospitality—especially during busy seasonal periods.
Every year, thousands of migrants benefit from this visa route, earning decent wages while gaining UK work experience. In 2026, the demand for seasonal workers is expected to increase, especially with the UK’s ongoing labor shortages in agriculture and tourism-heavy sectors. The good news? Many employers offer visa sponsorship, making it easier for foreigners to apply from outside the UK.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the top seasonal jobs available in 2026, how to apply, visa requirements, average salaries, and everything else you need to secure your spot.
Key Highlights
- 🇬🇧 The UK Seasonal Worker Visa allows you to work in the UK for up to 6 months in agriculture and selected hospitality roles.
- 🧑🌾 Popular sectors include farm work, fruit and flower picking, greenhouse jobs, and hospitality roles (pilot).
- 💼 No prior UK experience or degree required.
- 🛂 Employers approved by the UK government offer visa sponsorship through licensed schemes.
- 💰 Average earnings range from £10.42 to £12/hour, often with overtime opportunities.
What Is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2026?
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to come to the UK temporarily and work in certain roles that are highly dependent on seasonal labor. As of 2026, the visa supports two main sectors:
- Horticulture (e.g., farm work, fruit and vegetable picking, plant nurseries)
- Hospitality and poultry production (limited under pilot schemes)
This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, and your sponsoring employer must be licensed by the UK government.
📍 For official information: UK Government Seasonal Worker Visa Guide
Top UK Seasonal Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs in 2026
1. Fruit and Vegetable Picker
This is the most common seasonal job under the visa. Workers help harvest strawberries, apples, cucumbers, and tomatoes on large farms and greenhouses.
- Average Pay: £10.42 – £11.50/hour
- Duration: 3–6 months
- Sponsorship: Yes
- Accommodation: Usually provided or arranged
2. Farm Labourer (Horticulture)
Roles involve planting, irrigation, weeding, and preparing produce for packaging or sale.
- Average Pay: £11/hour
- Location: Rural England, Scotland, Wales
- Peak Seasons: Spring to autumn
3. Flower Harvester / Greenhouse Worker
Includes packing flowers, pruning, greenhouse care, and flower sorting—especially during Valentine’s and Mother’s Day seasons.
- Average Pay: £10.50 – £12/hour
- Working Hours: 40–60 hours/week
- Benefits: Some farms provide bonuses and free transportation
4. Hospitality Seasonal Roles (Pilot Scheme)
In 2026, the UK government may expand pilot roles under this visa to include seasonal workers in hotels, holiday parks, and seaside resorts. Roles include:
- Housekeeping staff
- Waiters and kitchen assistants
- Front desk attendants
- Pay: £10.50 – £12.50/hour
- Locations: Scotland Highlands, Cornwall, Lake District
5. Poultry Farm Worker (Winter)
These jobs focus on meat and poultry preparation during Christmas season. Includes catching birds, processing, and packing.
- Duration: October to December
- Pay: £11 – £12/hour
- Visa Validity: 3 months (shorter than farming roles)
Eligibility Criteria for the UK Seasonal Worker Visa 2026
To qualify for the Seasonal Worker Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a job offer from a UK government-approved sponsor
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
- Show you have at least £1,270 in savings (unless your sponsor will cover your costs)
- Pay the visa fee of £298
- Provide a TB test result if required by your country
- Apply from outside the UK
📍 Check visa eligibility by country: UK Visa Requirements by Country
How to Apply for UK Seasonal Worker Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Step 1: Find a Licensed Sponsor
You must first get a job offer from a UK employer approved to sponsor foreign workers under the Seasonal Worker Scheme. You can find the official list of licensed sponsors here:
📍 List of UK Licensed Sponsors
Top approved seasonal work sponsors in 2026 include:
- Pro-Force Limited
- AG Recruitment & Management Ltd
- Fruitful Jobs Ltd
- RE People Ltd
- Concordia UK Ltd
Step 2: Apply for a Seasonal Job
Visit these sponsoring agencies or employers directly via their websites. Many offer job listings, application forms, and guidance.
Some useful links:
Prepare the following:
- International CV/Resume (simple English, clear layout)
- Proof of age and identity
- Passport copy
- Proof of funds (bank statement)
- Willingness to work long hours in rural areas
Step 3: Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once selected, the sponsor will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is a digital record used to support your visa application.
Step 4: Apply for the Visa
Apply online via the UK Home Office Visa Portal.
- Visa Application Link: UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI)
- Pay the £298 visa fee
- Book your biometric appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Step 5: Travel to the UK and Start Working
Once approved, you’ll receive a Temporary Work Visa valid for up to 6 months. You can now travel and start working in your assigned role.
Salary and Benefits Overview
| Job Role | Average Hourly Pay | Monthly Salary (Est.) | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit Picker | £10.42 – £11.50 | £1,664 – £1,840 | Accommodation, overtime |
| Farm Worker | £11.00 | £1,760+ | Transport, bonuses |
| Flower Harvester | £10.50 – £12.00 | £1,680 – £1,920 | Holiday pay, housing |
| Hospitality Staff | £10.50 – £12.50 | £1,680 – £2,000 | Meals, staff accommodation |
| Poultry Farm Assistant | £11.00 – £12.00 | £1,760 – £1,920 | Free uniform, training |
Key Takeaways
- The UK Seasonal Worker Visa offers a simple, legal route to work in the UK in 2026.
- Jobs in farming, hospitality, and poultry processing are open for foreign applicants.
- Visa sponsorship is available, and many employers help with housing.
- Applicants don’t need formal education, but must be physically fit and ready for hands-on tasks.
- Act early—applications open months before the season starts, and slots are limited.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to explore a new country, earn good money, and gain international work experience, the UK Seasonal Worker Visa in 2026 is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. From fruit picking to hospitality, these jobs offer more than just a paycheck—they offer a path to growth, savings, and even future employment in the UK.
But don’t delay. With limited slots and growing global interest, the best time to apply is now. Start preparing your documents, contact licensed sponsors, and submit your application early.
👉 Take the first step toward your UK work journey today. Your future starts here.
FAQs – UK Seasonal Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs
1. Can I switch to a long-term UK visa after a Seasonal Worker Visa?
No. The Seasonal Worker Visa is temporary and does not lead directly to settlement or other long-term visas. You must return to your home country after your job ends.
2. Do I need English language proficiency to apply?
No. There’s no English language requirement for the Seasonal Worker Visa. However, basic English helps during your stay.
3. Is accommodation free?
It depends on the employer. Some provide free or low-cost shared housing, while others help you find affordable accommodation nearby.
4. When can I apply for 2026 seasonal jobs?
Applications typically open 3–6 months before the peak season. For farming, apply from January to March 2026.
5. How many hours can I work per week?
You can work full-time, usually between 35 to 60 hours per week, depending on the employer and job type.
