Sponsor guidance valid from 8 October 2026 confirms the 2027 Seasonal Worker quota: 41,000 places in horticulture and 1,900 in poultry production, the same as for 2026.
Key facts
- Who: Approved scheme operators sponsoring workers on the Seasonal Worker route in the horticulture and poultry production sectors
- From: 8 October 2026
- Source: Sponsor a seasonal worker
Replaces version 04/26, published on 8 April 2026.
The Home Office has published version 10/26 of its guidance for sponsors, "Sponsor a seasonal worker". It is valid from 8 October 2026.
Paragraph SE1.3 now sets out the annual quota for the Seasonal Worker route for 2027. The figures match those given for 2026.
Under paragraph SE1.4, the quota can be used only for workers whose Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) start date falls in the relevant year. The Home Office sets the quota and apportions it to scheme operators. A scheme operator cannot exceed its allocated part.
The guidance also records other changes:
- SE1.5, SE4.10 and SE4.13: transitional references have been deleted as no longer relevant.
- SE2.5, SE3.6 and SE3.13: references to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority now refer to the Fair Work Agency, following changes to the machinery of government in April 2026.
- Other minor housekeeping changes.
The route's existing rules are restated in the guidance. Horticulture workers can be sponsored for a maximum of 6 months' employment in the UK in any 10-month period (SE1.5). Poultry production workers can be sponsored for a period beginning no earlier than 2 October and ending no later than 31 December each year (SE1.5). Poultry visa applications must be submitted on or before 15 November each year, and no further CoS may be assigned after that date (SE1.6).
What this means for applicants
Approved scheme operators can plan 2027 CoS assignments against the quota of 41,000 in horticulture and 1,900 in poultry production. Each operator must stay within its own allocation, because it cannot exceed its part of the quota (SE1.4).
Operators and their growers should note that the Fair Work Agency is now named in the requirements for a gangmaster's licence (SE2.5 and SE3.13). An approved scheme operator must hold a valid Fair Work Agency gangmaster's licence at all times.
Seasonal Workers cannot bring dependants on this route (SE1.7).
Related guide
Sources
- Sponsor a seasonal worker, UK Visas and Immigration, version 10/26, 8 October 2026