Seasonal Worker visa
Certificate of sponsorship status
Verify Your Certificate of Sponsorship Number
You can perform a CoS check to confirm the validity of your Certificate of Sponsorship status and associated CoS number.
Click here to check CoS status
When to Apply
You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before the day you are scheduled to start work in the UK. Your start date will be listed in your certificate of sponsorship (cos number). Before applying, it’s essential to perform a Cos check and confirm your Cos status is valid and up to date.
As part of your application, you’ll need to:
Prove your identity
Provide supporting documentation
You may require an appointment to complete these steps. You will be informed during the application process if an appointment is necessary.
Getting a Decision
Once you have submitted your application online, verified your identity, and submitted your documents, you will usually receive a decision on your visa status within 3 weeks.
Visa Costs
To apply for the Seasonal Worker visa, you will need to:
Pay the application fee
Show proof of personal savings – typically at least £1,270, unless exempt. Please refer to the eligibility section for full details.
Application fee: £319
What You Can and Cannot Do
You are allowed to:
Work in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship
Study (some courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate)
You are not allowed to:
Take a permanent job
Work in a second job or any role not listed in your Cos number
Access public funds
Bring family members with you on this visa
Always check cos details to make sure your role and duties comply with the sponsored position.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a Seasonal Worker visa, you must be:
18 years old or older at the time of application
In possession of a valid certificate of sponsorship from a UK sponsor
Able to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself – usually £1,270, unless exempt
Your employer must ensure that your role is:
Paid at or above the UK minimum wage
Compliant with UK regulations regarding working hours
Failure to meet these requirements will result in a rejected application. Be sure to confirm all information via a Cos check before applying.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A certificate of sponsorship is a unique reference number assigned by your UK sponsor. It includes your personal details and job information. It is not a paper document, but a digital reference used in your application.
Your sponsor will provide you with your cos number, which must be entered in your visa application. This cos number can only be used once and is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
To avoid delays or invalid submissions, regularly perform a Check cos and monitor your Cos status until your visa decision is finalized.