£124 a day Visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers

Visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers are now one of the most popular seasonal job opportunities.

STRAWBERRY HARVESTER IN THE UK – START APPLICATION

With pay rates between £12.21 and £15.50 per hour, these roles attract overseas candidates who want to earn money, experience life in the British countryside, and gain work experience under the Seasonal Worker visa scheme.

Fruit picking in the UK is more than just a job. It offers cultural exchange, the chance to save money, and in many cases accommodation provided by farms. This article explains what these jobs involve, how international workers can apply, the benefits and challenges, and why fruit picking is an attractive pathway for people around the world.

Other Fruit Picker Jobs to Apply:

What visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs involve

Fruit picking is seasonal work that takes place during harvest periods. Farms across the UK grow strawberries, apples, cherries, raspberries, pears, and other fruits. When the crops are ripe, large teams of workers are needed to harvest quickly.

Visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers are offered by farms and agencies that are approved by the UK government. The visa sponsorship allows workers from abroad to legally enter and work in the country for several months.

The job includes:

Picking fruits carefully by hand
Sorting and packing produce
Working outdoors in fields, tunnels, or orchards
Following safety and hygiene standards

No previous experience is usually required because training is given at the farm.

Pay and benefits

The main attraction of visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers is the pay.

Hourly rate: £12.21 to £15.50
Daily earnings: £98 to £124 for an 8-hour shift
Weekly earnings: £588 to £744 for a 6-day week
Seasonal total: £6,000 to £9,000 for a 10 to 12 week season

In addition to wages, many farms provide free or low-cost accommodation. Some also offer free transport to shops, discounted meals, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.

Who can apply

Visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers are open to people from many countries. Applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a valid passport
Meet health and character requirements
Apply for a Seasonal Worker visa through a UK government approved scheme operator

Workers do not need formal qualifications or advanced English skills. The most important qualities are good physical health, the ability to work outdoors, and a positive attitude towards teamwork.

The Seasonal Worker visa

The Seasonal Worker visa is the legal route for international applicants. It allows people to come to the UK for up to six months to work in agriculture.

Key details:

Application must be made online through the UK government website
Sponsorship is arranged by a farm or licensed recruiter
Visa fee is £298 (as of 2025)
Proof of sponsorship is required
Healthcare surcharge is usually not required for short-term visas

The visa can be used for fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and some horticultural roles. It does not allow permanent settlement, but it can be renewed each year if workers are re-hired.

How to apply

Find a sponsor – Search for farms or agencies licensed by the UK Home Office.
Submit an application – Complete the Seasonal Worker visa form online.
Provide documents – Passport, sponsorship certificate, and proof of funds if required.
Pay the visa fee – £298.
Attend biometrics appointment – Fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application centre.
Receive decision – Usually within three weeks.
Travel to the UK – Once approved, workers can enter and begin their seasonal role.

Where the jobs are located

Visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers are found in different farming regions.

Kent – Known as the Garden of England, famous for strawberries, cherries, and apples.
Herefordshire – Large orchards with apples and pears.
Worcestershire – Famous for plums and soft fruits.
Somerset – Apples for cider and summer berries.
Scotland – Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, especially in Angus and Perthshire.
Lincolnshire – Large farms with a wide range of fruits and vegetables.

Life as a fruit picker

A day as a fruit picker usually starts early in the morning. Workers gather in the fields or tunnels to collect ripe fruits. The work involves bending, lifting, and moving quickly but carefully. Breaks are taken during the day, and shifts usually finish by mid-afternoon.

Living on the farm can be a unique experience. Workers share caravans or dormitories, cook meals together, and often make friends with people from many different countries. Social life includes games, music, and exploring nearby towns on days off.

Earnings potential

Visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers provide a chance to save a good amount of money.

For example:

At £12.21/hour: £12.21 × 8 hours = £97.68 daily. Six days = £586. Over 10 weeks = £5,860.
At £15.50/hour: £15.50 × 8 hours = £124 daily. Six days = £744. Over 12 weeks = £8,928.

For many international workers, this is far higher than what they could earn in similar roles at home.

Advantages of these jobs

Legal and safe – Visa sponsorship ensures workers are protected by UK employment laws.
High wages – £12.21 to £15.50 per hour is above minimum wage and allows savings.
Accommodation included – Saves money and stress of finding housing.
Cultural exchange – Meet people from around the world.
Simple entry requirements – No special skills needed.
Travel opportunities – Chance to see the British countryside.

Challenges to expect

Physical work – Requires stamina and good health.
Weather conditions – Work continues in rain, sun, or wind.
Repetitive tasks – Picking fruit can be tiring after long hours.
Rural locations – Farms are far from big cities and nightlife.
Temporary visa – Work is seasonal only, not permanent.

Being prepared for these challenges helps workers enjoy the experience more.

Worker experiences

Many international workers share positive stories about their time on UK farms.

A student from India saved £7,000 in one summer, which covered tuition back home.
A worker from Ukraine said he earned more in three months of fruit picking than in a whole year in his country.
A couple from South Africa enjoyed the social side and returned for three consecutive seasons.

These stories show that visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers are not only about money but also about life experience.

Tips for success

Arrive with the right mindset – Be ready for hard work.
Pack the right clothing – Waterproofs, gloves, and strong shoes are essential.
Stay healthy – Drink water and eat well to keep energy high.
Learn quickly – Master picking techniques to increase speed and earnings.
Respect others – Farms bring together people from many cultures.

The future of fruit picking in the UK

The UK farming industry continues to rely on international workers. Since Brexit, there has been strong demand for overseas candidates to fill seasonal roles. Pay rates have increased to attract more workers, and the Seasonal Worker visa scheme is expected to expand.

Visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers will remain a vital part of the country’s food supply chain and an excellent opportunity for those abroad seeking temporary work with strong pay.

Conclusion

Visa-sponsored fruit picker jobs UK for international workers provide an exciting way to earn £12.21 to £15.50 per hour, save money, and experience life in Britain. With visa sponsorship, legal protection, and accommodation included, these roles are safe, rewarding, and accessible to people from many countries.

The work is not easy, but the financial rewards and cultural experiences make it worthwhile. For international workers looking for seasonal employment, fruit picking in the UK is a golden opportunity.