Strawberry Picking Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship

Imagine, with your eyes closed, that you are strolling across verdant fields beneath a sunny English sky while the aroma of ripe strawberries fills the air. Sounds like a tranquil getaway in the country? In addition, it’s a job—a legitimate one—with sponsorship for a visa, consistent income, and the opportunity to work lawfully in the UK.

Strawberry picking and packing jobs in England might be your passport to basic, outdoor, seasonal farm labor abroad that doesn’t require a degree.

Picture yourself under the bright English sun, the scent of fresh strawberries filling the air as you pick fruit from lush fields. Now imagine that this serene experience isn’t just a getaway—it’s a legitimate job with visa sponsorship, steady income, and the chance to work legally in the UK.

Strawberry picking and packing jobs in England offer seasonal, outdoor work that doesn’t require a degree or prior experience. You just need to be 18 or older, physically fit, and ready to work as part of a team. With pay ranging from £10.50–£12 per hour, plus opportunities for overtime and productivity bonuses, these roles provide a real chance to earn while enjoying life in the English countryside.

Add on-site accommodation, subsidized meals, legal protections, and support from licensed UK sponsors, and it becomes clear why these seasonal jobs are a pathway to both adventure and financial stability. For anyone willing to embrace the rhythm of farm life, this is an opportunity to earn, grow, and experience the UK like never before.

Why England is Hiring Strawberry Pickers

The fruit-growing sector in the UK is flourishing, particularly when strawberries are in season in the late spring and summer. However, there is a major problem every year: there aren’t enough local laborers to manage the harvest.

In order to fill these temporary, hands-on positions, farms all throughout England are now looking to foreign labor and providing visa sponsorship. Many UK farms accept seasonal workers who are prepared to put in a lot of effort and abide by the laws, regardless of their origins—Asia, Africa, or Eastern Europe.

Additionally, it’s now simpler than ever to apply lawfully for a job like this, even if you don’t have any prior experience, thanks to the UK’s Seasonal Worker visa path.

What’s the Job Like?

• Picking: The primary duty is to pick ripe strawberries from rows of plants. This is typically done by hand and requires bending or crouching for extended periods. It can be fast-paced, with workers often paid on a “piece rate” based on the quantity of berries picked.
• Sorting: As you pick, you must sort the fruit. You’ll need a keen eye to identify and discard damaged, bruised, or unripe berries. This is a crucial step for quality control.
• Packing: After picking, the berries are packed carefully into trays or containers. This task requires a gentle touch to avoid bruising the delicate fruit.
• Labelling and Stacking: You’ll apply labels to the packed boxes or containers, ensuring they have the correct information for sale and distribution. These boxes are then stacked onto pallets, which may involve some heavy lifting.
• Hygiene and Safety: Following hygiene rules is paramount in food production. You must adhere to strict sanitation protocols to ensure a safe product for consumers. You’ll also follow safety procedures, especially when working in a team or around machinery.
• Teamwork: You’ll work as part of a team under the supervision of a farm manager or supervisor. This requires communication and coordination to meet daily quotas.

Read Also: Agriculture Seasonal Work Visa in UK for Foreigners

Who Can Apply?

1. People aged 18+

• Minimum Age: There is no official maximum age for H-2A visa applicants. However, the minimum age is generally 18, as this aligns with labor laws for temporary foreign workers. The nature of the work also requires a level of maturity and physical ability typically found in adults.

2. Candidates in Good Physical Health

• Job Requirements: As you correctly noted, the work is physically demanding. You’ll be expected to bend, lift, and perform repetitive motions for long hours in varying weather conditions. Good physical health is a prerequisite to handle the job safely and effectively.
• Health and Medical Exams: As part of the visa application process, you will likely be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure you are in good health and do not have any communicable diseases that would make you inadmissible to the United States.

3. Individuals without a Degree or Formal Experience

• No Education Required: A major benefit of the H-2A visa program is that it does not require a formal education or a specific degree. The purpose of the program is to fill temporary agricultural labor shortages, and employers are not looking for academic qualifications.
• No Prior Experience Required: While some employers might prefer applicants with a history of farm work, it is not a formal requirement. The jobs are considered entry-level, and employers are prepared to provide on-the-job training for all tasks, from picking and sorting to packing.

4. Foreigners Willing to Live on-site and Follow Farm Routines

• On-Site Accommodation: The H-2A program requires employers to provide free housing to their H-2A workers. This is a significant benefit. The housing must meet specific federal and state safety and health standards.
• Following Farm Routines: You must be prepared to live and work according to the employer’s schedule and rules. This often includes early mornings, long days during peak season, and living in housing with other workers from various countries.

5. Those who can Communicate in Basic English

• Language Requirements: While not a strict visa requirement for all H-2A jobs, having basic English communication skills is often essential for safety and teamwork. You must be able to understand and follow instructions from your supervisor, especially regarding safety procedures and regulations. The job contract itself must be provided to you in a language you understand, so if you don’t speak English, a Spanish or other translated version should be provided.

Visa Sponsorship: How It Works

• Find a Licensed Sponsor: The most important first step is to get a job offer from a UK employer who is a Home Office-licensed sponsor. These sponsors are often large farms or recruitment agencies approved by the government to bring in foreign workers. You cannot get this visa without a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from one of these licensed sponsors.
• Receive Your Certificate of Sponsorship: Once a sponsor offers you a job, they will issue you a CoS. This is a unique reference number, not a physical document, that contains all the details of your job offer, including the start and end dates of your contract. You’ll need this reference number for your visa application.
• Apply for the Visa: You must apply for the Seasonal Worker visa online from outside the UK. The earliest you can apply is three months before the start date on your CoS. You’ll fill out the online application form and pay the visa fee.
• Provide Biometrics and Documents: As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. This typically involves giving your fingerprints and a photo at a visa application center in your home country. You’ll also need to submit your passport, CoS reference number, and proof of funds.
• Wait for a Decision: The UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) department will process your application. The decision is usually made within three weeks after you submit your documents and biometrics.
• Age: You must be 18 years or older to apply.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): You must have a valid CoS reference number from a licensed sponsor for an eligible job in the horticulture or poultry sectors.
• Funds: You must show that you have at least £1,270 in savings to support yourself in the UK. This money must have been in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before your visa application. However, this requirement is waived if your sponsor confirms on your CoS that they will cover your living costs during your first month.
• Language: There is no formal English language test (like IELTS) required for this visa. You just need to have a basic ability to communicate.
• No Criminal Record: You must not have a serious criminal record or any other history that would make you ineligible for a UK visa.

Salary and Perks

Salary and Pay

In the UK, seasonal workers’ hourly pay is set by the National Minimum Wage. The minimum wage for employees 21 years of age and older is £11.44 per hour as of 2025. Particularly if you are an extremely productive worker, certain farms could pay more.

• Average Pay: As many farms pay more than the minimum wage, especially for jobs like fruit picking, which may be paid on a “piece rate” depending on how much you gather, your estimate of £10.50 to £12.00 per hour is a good range. High-performing employees now have the opportunity to increase their pay..
• Weekly Earnings: A full-time workweek typically consists of 40 hours. Before taxes and other deductions, you would make £457.60 a week at the minimum wage. Since it takes into consideration the minimum salary as well as the possibility of earning more through overtime or productivity incentives, your estimate of £400 to £500+ seems reasonable.
• Overtime and Bonuses: Many farms do provide additional compensation for putting in extra hours, especially during the busiest harvest season when demand is high. The increased rate at which overtime is frequently compensated can greatly increase your weekly and monthly income.

Common Benefits

There are a number of important benefits associated with seasonal work, many of which are required by the UK’s Seasonal Worker Visa program. These are intended to guarantee equitable treatment and facilitate the living and working conditions of foreign employees in the United Kingdom.

• Visa Sponsorship: This is the most significant advantage. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK farm or employment agency is required to sponsor your visa. Without this, you won’t be able to obtain the visa.
• On-site Accommodation: Seasonal employees must have adequate housing provided by their employers. Typically, this takes the shape of communal housing, caravans, or on-site living arrangements. Although it’s not opulent, it’s a practical and affordable choice that spares you the trouble of locating housing in a foreign nation. To cover the cost of this housing, employers are allowed to take a small, predetermined sum out of your pay, but this deduction cannot lower your pay below the minimum wage.
• Subsidized or Free Meals: While not always required, certain workplaces may provide free or subsidized meals, particularly during working hours. Verifying this benefit with your particular employer is the best course of action.
• Legal Protections: Under UK law, you have legal rights as a seasonal worker since you are an employee. Being paid on schedule and with an accurate payslip that lists all deductions, including taxes and national insurance, is part of this. Your safety and well-being at work are also the responsibility of your employer.

How to Apply Online—Step-by-Ste

1. Get Your Documents Ready

This is a crucial first step. Having your documents in order before you start the search will make the process much smoother.

• Valid Passport: A passport that is valid for the duration of your stay is essential.
• Resume/CV: As you mentioned, a resume is important. It should highlight your willingness to do physical labor and any related experience, even if it’s informal. For example, mention if you’ve done farm work, gardening, or any jobs that involved heavy lifting or working outdoors.
• Other Documents: While not needed for the initial application, you will need to gather other documents later for your visa application, such as proof of funds (bank statements) and potentially a police certificate to demonstrate you have a clean criminal record.

2. Search for Licensed UK Farm Employers

This is the most critical and often most challenging step, as only a select number of employers are licensed to sponsor this visa. You’ve provided excellent search terms.

• UK Government-Approved Sponsors: The UK government maintains an official list of licensed sponsors on its website. This list is updated regularly. It’s the most reliable place to find a legitimate employer. For the Seasonal Worker visa, you need to look for Scheme Operators who have a license for the “Temporary Worker—Seasonal Worker” route. There are a small number of these licensed operators who are authorized to recruit workers.
• Reputable Recruiters: Many of these licensed sponsors are actually recruitment agencies that work on behalf of many farms. Applying through a reputable, licensed recruitment agency is often the most common way to get a job offer. Be wary of scams and never pay a fee to a recruiter. The only fees you should pay are the official visa application fees to the UK government.

3. Apply and Attend Interview (Online or In-person)

Once you find a potential employer or recruiter, you’ll go through their application process.

• The Application: This will likely be an online form where you’ll provide your personal details, work history, and availability.
• The Interview: An interview, which may be a video call, is your chance to show you are a good fit. Your honesty about your willingness to work hard and your physical fitness is key. They want to know that you understand the demanding nature of the job.

4. Visa Sponsorship & Application

If you are selected, the visa application process begins.

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer will issue a CoS. This is a unique electronic reference number that is essential for your visa application. It contains all the key details of your job offer.
• Visa Application: You will use the CoS reference number to complete your visa application online on the official UK government website. You must apply for the “Temporary Work—Seasonal Worker visa.” You’ll upload your documents and pay the visa application fee.
• Visa Processing: You are correct that visa processing generally takes 3-4 weeks. However, during peak season, it can take longer. It’s important to apply as early as possible within the three-month window before your job’s start date.

Conclusion

English strawberry picking and packaging jobs provide a special chance to engage in outdoor seasonal labor while working lawfully in the UK. These jobs are perfect for people looking for temporary work overseas without a degree or prior experience because they offer fair pay, on-site housing, and visa sponsorship. Start your application with a certified UK sponsor right now if you’re prepared to accept perseverance, teamwork, and the opportunity to make money while residing in the English countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions