Strawberry Picking Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship Strawberry picking and other agricultural work in the UK offers excellent opportunities for international workers through the Seasonal Worker visa scheme, which provides official visa sponsorship for temporary agricultural positions. This pathway allows workers aged 18 and over to legally work in UK horticulture, including strawberry farms, for up to 6 months with wages typically ranging from £8-12 per hour
The UK Seasonal Worker Visa Scheme
The Seasonal Worker visa is specifically designed for temporary agricultural work in the UK, covering horticulture roles like fruit and vegetable picking, as well as flower harvesting For strawberry picking and other horticulture work, you can apply at any time of year and work for up to 6 months within any 12-month period. The visa allows you to enter the UK up to 14 days before your job start date.
For 2025, the UK has allocated 43,000 places for horticulture workers, making it the most accessible route for seasonal agricultural work. This substantial quota means better opportunities for applicants, though early application is crucial as places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate financial stability by showing at least £1,270 in savings, which must be held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. The 28th day must fall within 31 days of your visa application6. However, if your sponsor agrees to support you during your first month in the UK, this requirement may be waived6.
Application Costs
The visa application fee is £319, and you can apply up to 3 months before your intended start date4. Processing typically takes about 3 weeks once you’ve submitted your application, proved your identity, and provided all required documents4.
Approved Operators and Job Search
Several UK government-approved operators recruit international workers for strawberry farms and other agricultural positions. The main operators offering visa sponsorship include
- AG Recruitment – One of the leading agricultural recruitment agencies
- Concordia – Specializes in seasonal agricultural placements
- Fruitful Jobs – Focuses on fruit picking and harvesting positions
- HOP Seasonal Work – Provides various seasonal agricultural opportunities
- AgriVenture Global – Offers international agricultural work programs
These operators act as intermediaries between farms and workers, handling the sponsorship process and job placement1. They recruit workers directly and provide the necessary Certificate of Sponsorship required for your visa application1.
Work Conditions and Benefits
Wages and Payment Structure
Strawberry picking jobs typically pay between £8-12 per hour, with employers required to pay at least the UK minimum wage34. Some farms offer piece-rate payment systems where workers earn based on the quantity of fruit picked, potentially allowing more productive workers to earn above the hourly rate.
Additional Benefits
Many employers provide supplementary benefits beyond wages. These often include accommodation support or on-site housing, which is particularly valuable for international workers new to the UK. Workers also gain access to UK healthcare services during their stay and receive health insurance coverage The work environment offers fresh air and countryside living, providing both health benefits and cultural experiences.
Work Responsibilities
Strawberry picking involves several key tasks. Workers primarily harvest fruit directly from plants, ensuring careful handling to avoid damage to the berries or plants Additional responsibilities include sorting fruit by size and quality standards, packing produce for transportation and sale, and following specific guidelines to meet required standards for commercial sale or processing
Living and Working in the UK
The seasonal work experience extends beyond just employment. Workers have opportunities to meet people from diverse international backgrounds, creating a multicultural work environment. During time off, workers can explore the UK countryside and experience British culture. The program has proven popular, with surveys showing over 90% of seasonal workers report positive experiences and 95% expressing interest in returning for future season.
Important Restrictions
While the Seasonal Worker visa provides excellent opportunities, it comes with specific limitations. The visa is strictly temporary with no pathway to permanent residency or settlement in the UK. Family members cannot accompany workers on this visa24. Workers are restricted to employment described in their Certificate of Sponsorship and cannot take permanent positions or work second jobs4. Additionally, visa holders cannot access public funds or benefits
The visa also limits study opportunities, though some courses are permitted with appropriate certification. Workers must return to their home country at the end of their visa period, which is maximum 6 months for horticulture work
Application Timeline and Strategy
Since horticulture applications are open year-round, timing your application strategically is important2. Early application is essential given the competitive nature of the limited quota2. Research and contact multiple approved operators to increase your chances of securing sponsorship3. Prepare your financial documentation well in advance to meet the 28-day requirement6.
When preparing your application, tailor your CV to highlight any relevant experience, even if not specifically in agriculture3. Emphasize qualities like reliability, physical fitness, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions3. While prior experience isn’t required, demonstrating good hand-eye coordination and time management skills can strengthen your application
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Seasonal Worker visa for strawberry picking, you must meet several fundamental requirements. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved UK operator24. The Certificate of Sponsorship is a reference number containing information about your job and personal details, which remains valid for 3 months from the date it’s assigned to you2.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability by showing at least £1,270 in savings, which must be held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days12. The 28th day must fall within 31 days of your visa application. However, if your sponsor agrees to cover your costs during your first month in the UK to an amount of at least £1,270, you may be exempt from this requirement24.
Application Costs and Timeline
The visa application fee is £319, and you can apply up to 3 months before your intended start date46. For horticulture work including strawberry picking, applications are open year-round, unlike poultry work which has specific application deadlines14. Processing typically takes about 3 weeks once you’ve submitted your application and provided biometric information
Work Benefits and Conditions
Wages and Payment Structure
Seasonal workers in strawberry picking are entitled to receive at least the National Minimum Wage, National Living Wage, or Agricultural Minimum Wage5. The hourly rate only includes guaranteed basic gross pay before income tax and including employee pension and national insurance contributions2. Some farms offer piece-rate payment systems where workers earn based on the quantity of fruit picked, potentially allowing more productive workers to earn above the hourly rate.
Working Hours and Rest Periods
Under UK employment law, seasonal workers have specific rights regarding working hours. Workers must not work more than 48 hours per week unless they choose to do so5. You’re entitled to one day off weekly or 2 days off every 2 weeks, and 20 minutes of uninterrupted rest break if working more than 6 hours5.
Holiday Entitlement
Seasonal workers are entitled to annual leave from the start of employment, with the number of paid holidays depending on the days or hours worked5. If at the end of employment a worker is owed holiday pay, this must be paid to them5.
Visa Duration and Conditions
Length of Stay
For horticulture work including strawberry picking, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months in any 12-month period14. You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job as listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship4. The visa grants permission to remain for either the period specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 14 days before and after, or 6 months, whichever is shorter2.
Work Restrictions
While on the Seasonal Worker visa, you’re permitted to work only in the job described in your Certificate of Sponsorship24. You cannot take a permanent job, work in a second job, or perform duties not specified in your sponsorship certificate4. The visa also allows you to study certain courses, though some may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate24.
Important Limitations
The Seasonal Worker visa has several significant restrictions. It provides no pathway to permanent residency or settlement in the UK and does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain16. Family members cannot accompany workers on this visa4. Visa holders cannot access public funds or benefits24. Additionally, it’s not possible to switch i into the Seasonal Worker route from within the UK or switch between different Temporary Work routes2.
Worker Experience and Program Success
The Seasonal Worker program has demonstrated strong satisfaction rates among participants. Surveys indicate that over 90% of seasonal workers report a positive experience, and 95% express interest in returning for future seasons1. This high satisfaction rate reflects the program’s appeal and the valuable international work experience it provides.
Workers benefit from the multicultural work environment, meeting people from diverse international backgrounds. During time off, workers have opportunities to explore the UK countryside and experience British culture, adding cultural enrichment to their work experience
How To Apply
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Conclusion
The UK Seasonal Worker visa for strawberry picking presents an excellent opportunity for international workers seeking temporary agricultural employment with proper visa sponsorship. With 43,000 places allocated for horticulture work in 2025, the program offers substantial opportunities for eligible applicants16. The visa provides legal work authorization, fair wages protected by UK employment law, and valuable international work experience.
While the visa is strictly temporary with no path to settlement, it offers workers aged 18 and over the chance to earn competitive wages, experience UK culture, and gain agricultural skills. The high satisfaction rates among previous participants demonstrate the program’s value, with most workers reporting positive experiences and expressing desire to return1.
Success in securing a position requires early application due to the quota system, meeting all eligibility requirements including the £1,270 financial requirement, and obtaining sponsorship from an approved operator. Despite its limitations regarding permanency and family accompaniment, the Seasonal Worker visa remains an attractive option for those seeking legitimate, well-regulated seasonal employment in the UK agricultural sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the age requirements for the Seasonal Worker visa? Applicants must be 18 years or older to be eligible for the Seasonal Worker visa12.
How long can I work in the UK on this visa? For horticulture work including strawberry picking, you can work for up to 6 months in any 12-month period14.
Can I bring my family with me? No, family members cannot accompany workers on the Seasonal Worker visa14.
What is the minimum amount I need in savings? You must show at least £1,270 in savings held for 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor agrees to cover your costs12.
When can I apply for the visa? For horticulture work, applications are open year-round. You can apply up to 3 months before your intended start date14.
Can this visa lead to permanent residency? No, the Seasonal Worker visa is temporary and does not provide any pathway to settlement or permanent residency in the UK