General Farm Laborer Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
General Farm Laborer Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship The UK agricultural sector offers significant opportunities for international workers seeking farm laborer positions with visa sponsorship. With growing demand for agricultural workers and dedicated visa programs, there are multiple pathways for foreign nationals to legally work on UK farms
Visa Options for Farm Workers
Seasonal Worker Visa
The primary route for farm laborers is the Seasonal Worker visa, which allows international workers to come to the UK for agricultural work4. This visa covers:
- Horticulture work: Up to 6 months for tasks like fruit and vegetable picking
- Poultry work: From October 2 to December 31 each year
The application fee is £319, and workers can apply up to 3 months before their start date4. For 2025, the UK government has allocated over 45,000 seasonal worker visas, including 43,000 for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry work
Key Requirements
- Must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor
- Need a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer
- Must prove sufficient personal savings
- Cannot bring family members
- Cannot access public funds4
Types of Farm Labor Positions Available
Farm laborer jobs in the UK encompass various roles12:
Seasonal Agricultural Workers
- Fruit and vegetable picking during harvest seasons
- Flower picking and horticultural work
- Typically temporary positions offering valuable experience
Livestock Farm Workers
- Feeding and caring for animals
- Cleaning stables and farm facilities
- Assisting with veterinary care
- Monitoring animal health and welfare
Dairy and Arable Farm Workers
- Milking operations and cattle care
- Crop cultivation and maintenance
- Operating farm machinery and equipment
- Quality control during processing
Poultry Workers
- Managing poultry farms
- Ensuring bird welfare standards
- Available specifically from October to December4
Benefits and Compensation
Farm laborer positions with visa sponsorship typically offer1:
- Competitive salaries: £10.00-£20.00 per hour depending on role and experience2
- Accommodation: Some employers provide on-site housing or accommodation support
- Training opportunities: Many positions include training to enhance agricultural skills
- Job security: High demand in the agricultural sector provides stable employment
How to Find Sponsored Farm Jobs
Job Search Platforms
Several platforms list farm jobs with visa sponsorship:
- Indeed UK: Features hundreds of agricultural positions with sponsorship available37
- SimplyHired: Lists farm worker positions specifically mentioning visa sponsorship6
- Find a Job (DWP): Government portal with agricultural positions9
Licensed Sponsors
To work on a Seasonal Worker visa, you must be employed by a licensed sponsor. Key scheme operators include18:
- Concordia: A government-trusted recruiter operating since 1943
- Other approved agricultural recruitment specialists with GLAA licenses
Worker Rights and Protections
The UK government has implemented measures to ensure worker welfare19:
- Rigorous compliance checks on farms
- Comprehensive welfare assessments
- Collaboration with international partners for ethical recruitment
- Ongoing support and monitoring throughout employment
- Protection under the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)18
Important Considerations
What You Can Do
- Work in the job specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Study certain courses (may require additional approval)
- Enter the UK up to 14 days before your job start date4
Restrictions
- Cannot take permanent employment
- Cannot work in jobs not described in your sponsorship
- Cannot access public funds
- Cannot bring family members on this visa4
Current Job Market
The agricultural sector shows strong demand for international workers15. Recent job listings indicate positions available across the UK, with opportunities in:
- Fruit and vegetable farms
- Dairy operations
- Poultry facilities
- Mixed farming enterprises
Many employers are actively recruiting and explicitly state “visa sponsorship available” in their job postings3710.
The expansion of the seasonal worker program and continued demand for agricultural labor make this an opportune time for international workers seeking farm employment in the UK. With proper documentation and a job offer from a licensed sponsor, qualified candidates can access these opportunities while contributing to UK food security and gaining valuable international work experience.
Main Opportunities
General farm laborer positions in the UK encompass diverse roles including:
- Crop production workers handling planting, cultivation, and harvesting
- Fruit pickers for seasonal harvest operations
- Livestock and dairy farm workers managing animal care
- Poultry farm workers responsible for bird care and egg collection117
These positions offer competitive salaries aligned with industry standards, with some employers providing accommodation to help manage relocation costs1. Workers are guaranteed at least 32 hours of paid work per week and must receive at least the UK minimum wage
How To Apply
Apply Now
Conclusion
The UK’s agricultural sector presents significant opportunities for international workers through visa sponsorship programs, particularly addressing critical labor shortages in farming operations15. The government has expanded the Seasonal Worker visa program to include 45,000 visas for 2025, with 43,000 allocated for horticulture and 2,000 for poultry production
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for farm laborer jobs with visa sponsorship?
International workers aged 18 or over can apply, provided they:
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved UK sponsor2
- Possess £1,270 in savings (held for at least 28 consecutive days)2
- Meet the specific job requirements set by employers17
Can foreigners apply for agriculture jobs in the UK?
Yes, foreigners can apply for agriculture and farming jobs in the UK, provided they fulfill the necessary work permit requirements and obtain the appropriate visa through either the Seasonal Worker visa or Skilled Worker visa routes17.
How do I get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
You cannot apply directly for a CoS. The process involves:
- Contacting one of the six approved scheme operators (Fruitful Jobs, Concordia UK, Hops Labour Solutions, Pro-Force, R E People, or Agri-HR)23
- Submitting an expression of interest through their recruitment process
- Receiving the CoS reference number from the operator once approved1622
What are the visa costs?
The application fee is £3197. Additionally, you must prove you have £1,270 in personal savings unless your sponsor certifies they will cover your maintenance costs2. There is no NHS healthcare surcharge for stays under 6 months23.
Can I bring family members?
No, the Seasonal Worker visa does not allow you to bring dependents such as partners or children to the UK722.
What work restrictions apply?
You can only:
- Work in the job described in your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Study (with appropriate approvals for certain courses)
You cannot:
- Take a permanent job
- Work in a second job
- Access public funds7
How long does the application process take?
You can apply up to 3 months before your start date. Once you’ve submitted your application and biometrics, you’ll typically receive a decision within 3 weeks7.
Do UK farm employers offer visa sponsorship?
Yes, many employers in the UK’s agriculture sector actively sponsor foreign workers, recognizing the value of international talent. However, employers cannot sponsor directly – they must work through approved scheme operators licensed by the Home Office3
