Farm Jobs In UK For Foreigners With Visa Sponsorship (2024)

Types Of Farm Jobs In The UK

The UK offers a different of farm jobs, from general labor to specialized roles. Here are some of the most common types, Including their task, salaries, and requirements skills:

Job Type	Typical Tasks	Salary Range	Required Skills
Dairy Farmer	Milking cows, processing milk	£25,000 - £40,000	Livestock management, dairy farming knowledge
Cattle Farmer	Raising beef cattle	£20,000 - £35,000	Livestock management, cattle husbandry
Sheep Farmer	Caring for sheep, harvesting wool and meat	£18,000 - £30,000	Livestock management, sheep husbandry

Visa Requirements For Foreign Agricultural Workers

Foreign agricultural workers seeking employment in the UK will need to obtain a valid visa. However, the most common visa options for this purpose are the Tier 2 General Visa and the Seasonal Worker Scheme.

Tier 2 General Visa

The Tier 2 General Visa lets skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) work in the UK for a specific employer, and to be eligible for this visa, you will need:

The employer must be licensed to sponsor workers and must offer a salary of at least £25,600 per year.
A valid job certificate:
A valid Certificate of Sponsorship:
Sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependents during your stay.
You will need to demonstrate your English language skills through a recognized test, such as IELTS.

However, the Tier 2 General Visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended.

Seasonal Worker Scheme

The Seasonal Worker Scheme is a temporary visa that allows workers from specific countries to come to the UK for seasonal agricultural work. To be eligible for this scheme, you must:

Be from one of the approved countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine).
Have a valid job offer from a licensed employer in the UK.
Meet the minimum wage requirements for the job.
Have a valid passport.

And the Seasonal Worker Scheme is valid for up to six months. Also, foreign agricultural workers may be eligible for other visas, such as the Youth Mobility Scheme or the Skilled Worker Visa. However, these visas have specific requirements and may not be suitable for all individuals.

How To Find Employers Who Sponsor Visas?

Securing a job in the UK agricultural sector often requires finding an employer who is willing to sponsor your visa. Here are some effective strategies to help you in your search:

Online Job Boards and Platforms

Agria Careers, Indeed, Farmers Weekly, and the British Agricultural and Horticultural Association (BAHRA) are excellent resources for finding agricultural job vacancies.

Recruitment Agencies

Agricultural recruitment agencies can provide specialized assistance in finding suitable job opportunities and navigating the visa application process.

While general recruitment agencies may also have agricultural job listings, consider specializing in agricultural recruitment for better results.

Direct Contact

Research farms and agricultural businesses in your desired region and contact them directly to express your interest and qualifications.

Networking

Like always, building relationships with professionals in the agricultural industry through online forums, social media, and industry events is crucial.

Joining agricultural organizations like the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) can also provide valuable networking opportunities. Also, consider reaching out to agricultural colleges and universities for potential connections.

Living And Working In The UK As An Agricultural Worker

Living and working in the UK as an agricultural worker offers a unique experience, combining the challenges and rewards of rural life with the opportunities and benefits of living in a developed country.

Accommodation

On-farm accommodation can be a convenient and cost-effective option, but its quality and availability can vary.

Renting a property in a nearby town or village offers more privacy and flexibility, but costs can change depending on location and size.

Cost Of Living

Housing costs in rural areas are generally lower than in cities, but they can still be significant. Food costs can differ depending on dietary preferences and whether you cook your meals or eat out.

Utilities like electricity, gas, and water are reasonable. Transportation costs can add up if you need to commute to work, so consider using a bicycle or public transportation to save money.

Healthcare

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides free or subsidized medical care to all residents. As an agricultural worker, you will be eligible for NHS services. However, to access healthcare, you will need to register with a local GP (general practitioner).

Cultural Integration

Understanding British culture and building relationships with locals can help you integrate into the community. Improving your English language skills will make it easier to communicate and interact with others.

Support Services

The UK government offers different support services to foreign workers, including help with finding accommodation, accessing healthcare, and learning English.

Community groups and organizations can also provide support and assistance. Taking English language courses can help you improve your communication skills and integrate into British society.