How to Get a Fruit Picking Visa Sponsorship Job in the UK

Each year, farms across the UK seek thousands of seasonal workers for fruit picking and other agricultural roles. The Seasonal Worker Visa allows individuals from various countries to work legally in the farming sector for a limited period. Fruit picking jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship are particularly popular due to the straightforward nature of the work, the rural lifestyle experience, and the opportunity to earn income in pounds sterling.

The demand for seasonal labour in fruit farms remains high, especially during peak harvest months from April through September. UK farms require workers to pick strawberries, apples, pears, raspberries, and other soft or top fruits. With the Seasonal Worker Visa, eligible applicants can access short-term job placements that offer not only paid employment but also accommodation, sometimes provided on-site.

For individuals interested in working in the UK’s agricultural sector, understanding how visa sponsorship works is essential. From identifying licensed employers to completing the application process, each step must be handled carefully to meet immigration and employment regulations. With a growing interest in fruit picking jobs with visa sponsorship, timely application and proper documentation are key.

Understanding the UK Seasonal Worker Visa

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is designed specifically for temporary roles in horticulture, including fruit and vegetable picking. Workers can stay in the UK for up to six months within a 12-month period. The visa covers jobs such as planting, picking, packing, and processing on farms.

Only licensed UK employers or recruitment agencies can issue Certificates of Sponsorship. Without a certificate, an applicant cannot proceed with a visa request. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be 18 years or older at the time of application
• Have a job offer from a registered UK sponsor
• Possess a Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Show proof of financial means (at least £1,270 unless housing is provided)
• Pay the visa application fee, currently £298 (as of 2025)

To get started, applicants can find detailed visa instructions on the UK Government’s official Seasonal Worker visa page.

Where to Find Fruit Picking Jobs That Offer Sponsorship

UK fruit farms usually collaborate with licensed labour providers who recruit international workers. These recruitment agencies are listed on the government’s register of approved sponsors. Finding an approved sponsor is the most important step before applying for a Seasonal Worker Visa.

Trusted Recruitment Agencies and Portals:

• Fruit Picking Jobs UK: A dedicated platform listing farm jobs with seasonal visa sponsorship options across the UK.
• Agri-Labour UK: A licensed sponsor that hires seasonal agricultural workers.
• TotalJobs and Indeed UK: Type “fruit picking jobs UK with visa sponsorship” to find current listings.
• Concordia UK Ltd and Pro-Force Ltd: Registered as official Seasonal Worker Scheme operators. They help recruit non-UK nationals for temporary farm work.

Tip: Always confirm that the job advertisement includes the sponsor license number or refers to visa sponsorship eligibility. Direct inquiries to the farm or agency can clarify this.

Applying for the Fruit Picking Seasonal Worker Visa

Once a job offer is secured, and the Certificate of Sponsorship has been issued, the next stage involves submitting your visa application through the UK Home Office portal. Timing is crucial, especially during peak harvesting months when application volumes are high.

What You’ll Need:

• A valid passport or travel ID
• A Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved UK employer
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letter if accommodation is covered)
• Biometric appointment for fingerprints and photo
• Payment of visa fee (£298)

Processing times are generally 3 weeks, but early application is advised due to seasonal surges. Ensure all documents are in English or have certified translations.

Living and Working Conditions on UK Fruit Farms

Fruit picking roles require physical stamina, patience, and the ability to work in changing weather conditions. Jobs can involve standing or bending for long hours and repetitive tasks such as sorting or packing produce. Wages typically follow UK National Minimum Wage or higher depending on performance and overtime.

Farms often provide:

• Shared on-site accommodation (with rent deductions)
• Transport to the farm if staying offsite
• Meals or access to communal kitchens
• Work equipment such as gloves or crates

Workers are covered by UK employment rights, including access to healthcare (via NHS surcharge payments) and protection against unfair treatment or unsafe work conditions.

For more information on employee rights, visit GOV.UK - Rights of Seasonal Workers.

Best Time of Year to Apply for UK Fruit Picking Jobs

The best time to secure a fruit picking job in the UK is between December and March for the upcoming spring and summer harvest. Most hiring takes place well in advance of the farming season, with roles starting from April through September.

Different crops have unique harvesting windows:

• Strawberries – May to July
• Apples and Pears – August to October
• Raspberries – June to August
• Plums and Cherries – July to early September

Early applications not only improve the chances of placement but also allow time to complete visa processing and prepare travel arrangements.

Top UK Farms Offering Fruit Picking Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Several farms across England, Scotland, and Wales are known for hiring seasonal international workers. These farms partner with licensed recruitment bodies and offer structured work experiences.

Notable Farms Hiring Seasonal Workers:

1. Hall Hunter Farms – Located in Berkshire and Surrey, known for berry picking.
2. AC Goatham & Son – One of the UK’s largest apple and pear growers.
3. Haygrove Farms – A major employer in Herefordshire for soft fruits.
4. Pro-Force Ltd Farms – Works with farms across Kent and the Midlands.
5. G’s Fresh – Offers harvest jobs from March to October, with visa support.

Applicants are encouraged to check each farm’s career section or email recruitment departments directly to confirm current openings.

What Makes Fruit Picking a Popular Seasonal Job for Foreign Workers?

Fruit picking jobs offer a chance to experience the UK countryside while earning legal income. For many applicants, these roles are stepping stones to further work opportunities or longer-term residency pathways. Workers enjoy the simplicity of rural life, and many farms welcome return workers for multiple seasons.

Benefits include:

• Entry-level access with minimal qualifications
• Weekly pay under fair working conditions
• Multicultural work environments
• Gaining UK work experience
• Opportunities to explore rural England and Scotland

Workers often form strong communities and friendships during their stay, making the experience both financially rewarding and personally enriching.

Conclusion

Fruit picking jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship remain a vital part of the agricultural sector and a viable pathway for individuals seeking temporary work opportunities abroad. With the Seasonal Worker Visa in place, thousands of people from around the world contribute to the UK’s farming economy during key harvest periods. Knowing where and how to apply makes all the difference.

Choosing a licensed recruitment agency, securing a job offer with visa sponsorship, and following the official application process ensures compliance and improves acceptance chances. Staying informed about visa requirements and seasonal job cycles helps applicants avoid delays or missed opportunities.

For those with a strong work ethic and interest in temporary outdoor roles, this pathway offers a meaningful experience, fair compensation, and a valuable cultural exchange in the UK’s scenic farming regions.

FAQs about How to Get a Fruit Picking Visa Sponsorship Job in the UK

1. What is the UK Seasonal Worker Visa and how does it apply to fruit picking jobs?

The UK Seasonal Worker Visa is specifically designed to allow foreign nationals to come to the UK temporarily to work in the horticulture sector. This includes jobs like fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and flower farming. The visa allows workers to stay in the UK for up to 6 months, during which they can work for an approved sponsor in seasonal agricultural roles.

This visa is not intended for permanent settlement or long-term employment but provides a critical labor force during peak farming seasons. To be eligible, applicants must have a valid job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office as a sponsor. Many fruit farms in the UK, especially during harvest time from May to September, actively recruit international workers and offer visa sponsorships to meet labor demand.

Employers typically assist with accommodation and transportation to the farm, although these may come with additional deductions from wages. It's essential to confirm these details directly with the employer before accepting a job offer.

2. Where can I find legitimate fruit picking jobs in the UK that offer visa sponsorship?

There are several reputable platforms where fruit picking jobs with visa sponsorship in the UK are advertised. One of the first places to check is the UK Government’s list of approved sponsors, which shows all licensed employers allowed to sponsor temporary workers under the Seasonal Worker scheme. You can cross-reference this list with job openings to verify if the employer is legitimate.

Additionally, specialized job platforms like Fruit Picking Jobs UK and Agri Labour UK focus exclusively on agriculture and harvest work. These websites are known to list verified and sponsor-backed job vacancies. General job portals such as Indeed, TotalJobs, and LinkedIn also frequently post fruit picking jobs — simply include the keywords “visa sponsorship” and “seasonal agriculture” in your search.

Always be cautious of job scams. Legitimate employers never ask for upfront payments for job placement or sponsorship. Communicate only through official channels and request written job offers.

3. What are the typical working conditions and pay for seasonal fruit pickers in the UK?

Fruit picking in the UK is a physically demanding job, typically done outdoors in varying weather conditions. Workers are expected to bend, lift, carry, and work long hours, sometimes starting early in the morning or continuing late into the evening. Depending on the farm and crop, tasks may include harvesting strawberries, apples, raspberries, or vegetables.

Wages for fruit pickers are usually calculated by either hourly rates or the quantity of produce picked (piece rate). As of 2025, the minimum wage for workers aged 18 and over in the UK is £11.44 per hour, and employers are required to pay at least this amount. Some farms offer bonuses for high productivity or completion of the harvest season.

Accommodation is often provided, with rent deducted from wages. It’s important to ask about housing conditions, facilities, and transportation options during the recruitment process. Workers should also be informed of their rights, including paid holidays and workplace protections.

4. What documents and requirements are needed to apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa for fruit picking?

To apply for a UK Seasonal Worker Visa, candidates must meet several requirements and provide supporting documents. First and foremost, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer offering you a seasonal job in agriculture. This certificate is an electronic record containing details of the job and employer.

Required documents include:

• A valid passport or travel ID
• The Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Proof of sufficient funds: at least £1,270 available for 28 days in a row before applying (unless the employer covers costs)
• Tuberculosis test results (if you're from a listed country)
• English language proof is not required for the Seasonal Worker Visa

Applications must be made online through the UK Government's official visa portal. The standard application fee is £298, and most decisions are made within 3 weeks. After approval, you’ll be issued a visa allowing you to work for up to 6 months with the sponsoring farm.

5. Are there opportunities to extend the Seasonal Worker Visa or switch to another visa while in the UK?

The Seasonal Worker Visa is issued for a fixed period of up to 6 months, and cannot be extended beyond that duration. Once the visa expires, you are expected to return to your home country. This visa does not lead to permanent residency or long-term employment in the UK.

It’s also important to note that this visa cannot be switched to another category (like Skilled Worker Visa or Student Visa) while inside the UK. If you wish to pursue a different visa route for long-term work or study, you must apply from outside the country following the rules for that specific visa type.

However, some workers who perform well and maintain good relations with their employers may be invited to return in future seasons. UK farms with repeated labor needs often rehire reliable workers each year, offering new sponsorship certificates for the next season. It's advisable to maintain contact with your employer for updates about future job offers.