UK Government Announces 45,000 Seasonal Work Visas For 2025
The government has announced a five-year extension to the seasonal worker visa route until 2029. The UK government has announced that a total of 45,000 visas will be available to temporary workers in 2025 under the Seasonal Worker route.
Underlining the government’s commitment to the horticultural and poultry sectors, the Seasonal Worker visa route has been confirmed for 2025, with a total of 43,000 Seasonal Worker visas available for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry next year.
2025 Seasonal Visa Allocation: Key Details
The Seasonal Worker visa allocation for 2025 confirms:
- Horticulture: 43,000 visas for seasonal roles such as fruit and vegetable picking and flower harvesting.
- Poultry: 2,000 visas for workers are needed between October 2 and December 31 for poultry processing and related tasks.
This distribution aims to ensure a reliable labour supply while allowing businesses in these sectors to plan effectively for seasonal demand.
As well as confirming visa numbers for 2025, Defra has also published the 2023 Seasonal Workers Survey report. This is an important part of Defra’s commitment to monitoring the welfare of the seasonal migrant workers who help bring home the horticulture harvest each year.
What is the Seasonal Worker Visa?
The Seasonal Worker visa allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in the UK’s horticulture and poultry sectors. This visa supports farmers, growers, and poultry producers by enabling them to hire seasonal labour to meet industry demands during peak periods.
Extension of the Seasonal Worker Visa Program
In May 2024, the UK government extended the Seasonal Worker visa route for an additional five years, securing its availability until 2029.
How much it costs
You will need to:
- pay the application fee
- prove you have enough personal savings – check how much in the eligibility requirements
Application fee
The application fee is £298.
