Who is this visa for?

This route is for a person who wants to come to the UK to do seasonal horticulture work or poultry production work.

What are the basic eligibility requirements?

• you have a valid certificate of sponsorship
• support yourself when you arrive in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – Seasonal Worker visa (T5).

How long can I stay in the UK?

You can stay in the UK:

• up to 6 months for horticulture work
• from 18 October to 31 December each year for poultry work

You can enter the UK as soon as your visa is valid (up to 14 days before the start date of your job).

Can dependants join me on this route?

No, this route does not permit dependants to join you.

How much does it cost?

• you must pay the £298 application fee
• you must prove you have enough funds to support yourself when you arrive in the UK – you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

How long does it take?

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

When should I apply?

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

What you can and cannot do:

With a UK Expansion Worker visa you can:

• work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
• study
• travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

• apply for most benefits, public funds, or the State Pension
• take a permanent job
• work in a second job or a job that isn’t described in your certificate of sponsorship
• bring family members with you
• apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’)