Top 5 Seasonal Work Visas Opening Applications in 2026

Are you a skilled worker seeking short-term international job opportunities in 2026? Whether you’re interested in harvesting grapes in Tuscany, working in American hospitality, or contributing to Australia’s agricultural success story, seasonal work visas can open doors to adventure, income, and even future long-term employment.

As application windows for 2026 begin to roll out, here’s your insider guide to the Top 5 Seasonal Work Visa Programs opening soon—complete with timelines, eligible sectors, and where to get started. Bookmark this blog, because timing is everything!

1# Italy “Decreto Flussi” Seasonal Work Visa 2026

Italy is offering a massive opportunity in 2026 with over 164,000 work visas available under its Decreto Flussi program, and a significant portion is reserved for seasonal jobs in agriculture and tourism.

Application Window:

• Pre-registration starts in Autumn 2025
• Click Days (official application days) expected in early 2026

Eligible Work Sectors: Agriculture, agro-tourism, hospitality (seasonal only)
Important: Applications must be submitted on the designated “click days,” and spots fill within hours, so prep ahead!

Link: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal/seasonal-worker-italy_en

2# USA H-2B Seasonal Work Visa (Non-Agricultural)

Want to work in American resorts, amusement parks, or landscaping? The H-2B visa is your ticket to legally working in the U.S. in temporary but high-demand roles.

Application Window for FY 2026: Opens July 3 to July 5, 2025 – (For jobs starting October 1, 2025)

Eligible Work Sectors: Hospitality, landscaping, construction, food services, recreation.
Visa Cap: 66,000 per year, split between two (02) cycles.

⚠️ Tip: Employers must file petitions, so find a registered recruiter early!
Link: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/h-2b

3# USA H-2A Agricultural Work Visa (Open Year-Round)

If you’re eyeing farm work, the H-2A visa has no numerical cap and offers steady agricultural job placements across the U.S.

Application Window: Open throughout the year but must match seasonal harvest periods—start applying 60–120 days before job start.
Eligible Work Sectors: Harvesting, planting, livestock, fruit picking.
Eligibility: Primarily for nationals of approved countries (check U.S. H-2A eligible country list).

Link: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-2a-temporary-agricultural-workers.

4# United Kingdom Seasonal Worker Visa 2026

If you want to explore Britain while working in its vibrant agricultural sector, the UK’s Seasonal Worker Scheme is ideal. It supports short-term contracts—particularly for produce harvesting.

Application Window: Expecting to open Spring 2026, with employer recruitment drives starting early 2026.
Eligible Work Sectors: Fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, horticulture.
Link: https://www.gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa/apply.

Note: You must have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.

5# Australia PALM Scheme (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility)

Open primarily to workers from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste, Australia’s PALM scheme helps fill labor shortages in farming and meat industries with seasonal and longer-term contracts.

Application Window: Recruitment and placements typically announced mid to late 2025 for 2026 start
Eligible Work Sectors: Fruit harvesting, livestock, meat processing, farm operations
Stay Duration: Up to 9 months (seasonal); longer for extended contract.

Link: https://www.palmscheme.gov.au/home.