UK seasonal work operators: where to apply
Select your country and check the application channel. Then compare the operator’s terms, costs, and requirements.
Updated: 3 August 2026
First, check the operator and application channel for your country. The operator may work through an official agent listed on their website. Application and CoS are free; being offered a “guaranteed place” for a fee is a reason to stop and verify the offer.
Choose your country — get a list of operators
You can apply to all suitable operators at the same time — it is free and increases your chances. Accept the first legitimate offer with a signed contract.
Uzbekistan
❌ Not suitable: Fruitful Jobs (no CA recruitment), RE Recruitment (poultry only, no UZ recruitment), Concordia (applications only through official agents)
Kyrgyzstan
❌ Not suitable: Fruitful Jobs (no CA recruitment), RE Recruitment (poultry only)
Kazakhstan
❌ Not suitable: HOPS (no active KZ recruitment), Fruitful Jobs (no CA), RE Recruitment (poultry only)
Tajikistan
⚠️ Before applying, check current TJ recruitment status on the operator's website or in the Register of Licensed Sponsors.
Trip budget: what to check before paying
The application and CoS are free for the employee. The visa fee is £340. Calculate separately for travel, accommodation, food, and a financial buffer until your first paycheck. Check with the visa center in your country for any additional fees and costs for required documents. Ask for a written list of expenses and deductions: who pays, how much, and for what.
Do not pay for a place on a farm or a CoS. Before handing over money or documents, verify the contact details on the operator’s official website. If the payment terms are unclear, first seek clarification from the operator using the contact information on their website.
Usually, you need to show at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days; day 28 must fall within 31 days before your visa application. You do not need this evidence if your sponsor certifies maintenance in your CoS. This is money to support yourself, not an additional visa fee.
Budget reviewed on 29 September 2026 · Primary sources: GOV.UK — Seasonal work on farms, GOV.UK — Seasonal Worker visa, GOV.UK — £1,270
The UK Seasonal Worker visa is sponsored through 6 licensed operators: AGRI-HR, Concordia, Fruitful Jobs, HOPS Labour, Pro-Force, RE Recruitment. The 2026 quota is 41,000 places (horticulture) + 1,900 (poultry), wage £12.71/hour from April 2026, duration up to 6 months. Licensed operators charge NOTHING for placement — any "fee for job" demand is a scam red flag.
Everything you need to know — in four numbers
The UK Seasonal Worker visa is one of the few work visas with no skill or language requirements. All 6 operators must pay at least £12.71/hour (NMW 2026) and charge £0 for the CoS.
Sponsor licence + CoS + Home Office
An operator is a UK company that has a licence from the Home Office and the GLAA (Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority; from April 2026 — Fair Work Agency) to invite foreign seasonal workers. Without an operator — no Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Without a CoS — no visa.
Table by 7 parameters (2026)
All 6 operators are licensed for 2026. Check current recruitment and place availability with each operator directly.
| Operator | Sector | Recruitment from CA | Working language | Year founded | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horticulture | ✓ Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan | Russian / English portal | 1991 | Largest operator | |
| Horticulture + Poultry | ✓ Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan | Via the UZ/KG state services | 1996 | RU/EN website; applications via state services | |
| Horticulture | ◐ Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan | 17 languages (incl. Russian, Kazakh, Uzbek) | 1943 | Charity (oldest) | |
| Horticulture | ✓ Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan | English | 2023 | New operator | |
| Horticulture | ✗ No | English | — | Just Good Work app | |
| Poultry (only poultry) | ✗ No | English | — | Season October–December |
Source: gov.uk/guidance/seasonal-work-on-farms-guidance-for-workers — the list of operators is updated there. The Home Office does not publish a per-operator allocation — check recruitment with the operator directly.
Register of Licensed Sponsors — 3 steps
A licence can be revoked at any time. Check before you apply — it takes 3 minutes.
- Open the Register of Licensed Sponsors (gov.uk) → download the Excel file.
- Find the operator by name — status must be "Active".
- Also check the legal entity in Companies House — status "Active", not "Dissolved".
Safe application vs Scam
Hundreds of fraudulent schemes with "CoS for money" have been recorded in 2024–2026. None of the 6 licensed operators charges for placement.
Safe application
- Operator is listed on the gov.uk register
- CoS is issued for free
- Applying through the operator is free. The £340 visa fee is not the full cost of your trip.
- Check the contact directly with the operator: Companies House confirms company details, but not the authority of the person who is contacting you.
Scam warning sign
- A "middleman" asks for money for a CoS
- Payment to a personal bank card
- WhatsApp/Telegram only, no official website
- "Guaranteed visa for £X" — any amount
Do not pay for a place on a farm or a CoS. Before handing over money or documents, verify the contact details on the operator’s official website. If the payment terms are unclear, first seek clarification from the operator using the contact information on their website. Fair Work Agency — gov.uk/fair-work-agency · 0800 432 0804
From application to arrival — 5 steps
The timeframes depend on the operator, the country, and the selection stage. Check the official guidance: registration does not guarantee a place or visa issuance.
- At each operator, check the current application window and submission rules. If multiple operators accept applications from your country, clarify the conditions for participating simultaneously. Obtaining registration does not guarantee a place or a CoS.
- Fill in the online form on the operator's website — passport, work experience, contact details. It is free.
- Receive a CoS from the operator — an electronic document with a reference number. Without a CoS you cannot apply for the visa.
- Apply for the visa — Check the £340 visa fee and funds requirements on GOV.UK. Before paying, confirm the costs of the visa application centre, travel, and accommodation, as well as any deductions. Purchase your ticket only after your visa has been approved; make sure you have enough money until your first paycheck.
- Arrive at the farm on the date specified in the CoS. Maximum duration — 6 months.
08 What to check before paying and traveling
What to check before paying and traveling
- Refund conditions
Keep correspondence, your contract and proof of payment. If you suspect fraud, contact your bank and the operator using official contact details. A refund is not guaranteed, but do not assume recovery is impossible.
- Authenticity of documents
Do not submit documents you are unsure about. Verify the CoS with the operator. The consequences of false information depend on the circumstances; if in doubt, consult a regulated immigration specialist.
- Recruitment dates
The windows and selection rules vary by operator and country. Do not pay for a promise to speed up the selection process. Check the current instructions and prepare your documents in advance.
- Hours and deductions
Budget based on your written contract. Check the minimum paid hours, accommodation, and deductions; don’t count overtime or tax refunds as guaranteed income.
Frequently asked questions
Which 6 operators for the Seasonal Worker Visa in the UK in 2026?
The six licensed operators for 2026: HOPS Labour Solutions Ltd, Pro-Force Ltd, Concordia (UK) Ltd, AGRI-HR Ltd, Fruitful Jobs Ltd, RE Recruitment (division of Taskmaster Resources Ltd). Full current list — on gov.uk/guidance/seasonal-work-on-farms-guidance-for-workers.
How much does it cost to apply through an operator?
The application and CoS are free for the employee. The visa fee is £340. Calculate separately for travel, accommodation, food, and a financial buffer until your first paycheck. Check with the visa center in your country for any additional fees and costs for required documents. Ask for a written list of expenses and deductions: who pays, how much, and for what. Usually, you need to show at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days; day 28 must fall within 31 days before your visa application. You do not need this evidence if your sponsor certifies maintenance in your CoS. This is money to support yourself, not an additional visa fee.
Which operator is best for Uzbeks?
Check the HOPS and Pro-Force instructions for your country. Pro-Force directs applicants to the Migration Agency of Uzbekistan (migration.uz). The ability to apply depends on the current window and the operator’s conditions; the list of operators does not guarantee that applications are currently being accepted.
Which operator for Kazakhs?
AGRI-HR Ltd — a new operator (since 2023) that confirmed recruitment from Kazakhstan. Concordia also considers applications. Apply to both.
How much can you earn on a farm in a season?
There is no single net earnings figure for 6 months. Use your contract: hourly rate × paid hours, then subtract tax, accommodation deductions, food, travel and other personal expenses. Do not assume a guaranteed duration of employment or overtime beyond the terms of your contract. Example calculation before taxes and expenses: £12.71 × 32 hours = £406.72 per week. This is not your take-home pay, nor a guarantee of earnings for the entire season. P85 guide →
What to do if an operator asks for money for a CoS?
Do not pay for a place on a farm or a CoS. Before handing over money or documents, verify the contact details on the operator’s official website. If the payment terms are unclear, first seek clarification from the operator using the contact information on their website. Fair Work Agency · 0800 432 0804 · 0800 0 121 700
Can I apply to several operators at the same time?
At each operator, check the current application window and submission rules. If multiple operators accept applications from your country, clarify the conditions for participating simultaneously. Obtaining registration does not guarantee a place or a CoS.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A CoS is an electronic document (not physical) that the operator issues after a place on a farm is found for you. It confirms that you are being hired. The CoS is the basis for the visa application. Without a CoS the visa will not be issued. The CoS is issued by the operator for free.
How to check that an operator has a valid licence?
Open the Register of Licensed Sponsors on gov.uk → download the Excel → find the operator → the status must be "Active". Also check the legal entity in Companies House. Step-by-step guide: sponsor check →
What to do after the season — P85 tax refund?
A tax refund is only possible if you’ve overpaid; the amount is calculated by HMRC. Do not include the expected refund in your guaranteed budget. You can file on your own for free; if you choose to use a professional, agree on the cost in advance. full P85 guide →
If you need legal help
A standard application through an operator does not require a lawyer. You need one for visa refusals, deportation notices, or criminal charges.
This is signposting, not legal advice. For personal advice contact an IAA-registered adviser.