Documents required for a sponsor licence: the Appendix A guide

The documents are where most sponsor licence applications come unstuck. The Home Office sets out exactly what you need in Appendix A of the immigration rules, and what it asks for depends on the type of organisation you are. Send the wrong set, or miss one, and you risk a delay or a refusal. This guide breaks down the Appendix A document lists by organisation type so you can prepare a clean application.

It is part of our full guide to the sponsor licence application.

What Appendix A is

Appendix A sets out the documents UK businesses must submit when they apply for a sponsor licence. The requirements split into four lists, based on your organisation type and the route you are sponsoring:

• List 1: specific bodies and organisations
• List 2: start-ups, franchises, charities, and regulated organisations
• List 3: route-specific licences
• List 4: undefined organisations

Here is what each list asks for.

List 1: specific bodies and organisations

This list applies to public bodies, local authorities, and large enterprises such as those listed on the London Stock Exchange. These organisations usually have fewer document requirements, though some still need verification documents.

Public bodies recognised by the UK government

• Usually no documents beyond those mandatory for the specific immigration route.
• A letter from the sponsoring government department may be needed to confirm public body status.

Public bodies not recognised by the UK government

• A letter or documentation from the sponsoring government department confirming public body status.
• A cover letter with details of the sponsoring department, to allow an online check if needed.

Government departments

• No additional documents beyond those mandatory for the specific route.

Local authorities with an accessible website

• Only the mandatory documents specific to the route.

Enterprises listed on the London Stock Exchange main market

• No additional documents beyond those mandatory for the route.

Scale-up companies

• If applicable, documents showing the organisation is registered with or monitored by a regulator, such as the Financial Conduct Authority.

To estimate the fees that come with an application, try our visa fees calculator.

List 2: start-ups, franchises, charities, and regulated organisations

This list covers newer or more heavily regulated businesses, such as start-ups, franchises, and charities, which need to prove their legitimacy.

Start-ups (less than 18 months trading)

• A business plan with financial projections.
• Evidence of a corporate bank account with a UK-registered bank, such as a bank letter or statement.
• If fewer than four documents are available from other lists, you can also submit a VAT registration certificate, a letter from your corporate bank detailing its dealings with you, or additional documents from List 4.

Franchises

• A signed franchise agreement between franchisor and franchisee, showing the business relationship.

Charities

• If registered with the Charity Commission, the Home Office verifies this online and no extra documents are needed.
• Ecclesiastical or religious organisations may need to provide evidence confirming charitable status.
• If not registered under UK charity legislation, provide a written explanation of why registration is not required.

Regulated businesses (care homes, financial services, food businesses)

• Organisations regulated by bodies such as the Financial Conduct Authority, Ofsted, or the Care Quality Commission do not need to submit extra documents. The Home Office checks online.
• Food businesses must provide proof of registration or approval from the local Food Authority, such as a food hygiene rating or approval letter.

For what is expected once you hold a licence, see our guide to sponsor licence compliance.

List 3: route-specific licences

Some visa routes need tailored documents, for example sponsoring International Sportspersons or workers under Global Business Mobility.

International Sportsperson

• A copy of the endorsement from the relevant sport governing body, approved by the Home Office.

Service Supplier (Global Business Mobility)

• Proof of a service contract under an eligible international trade agreement, genuine and for 12 months or less.

Minister of Religion or Religious Worker

• A form from the General Register Office authorising use of a building as a place of worship.
• Documentation on congregation size, a hierarchy chart, and addresses of worship locations.

UK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility)

• Evidence of a UK footprint, such as a registered UK branch or a lease for premises.
• Evidence of overseas trading presence, such as audited financial reports.
• An expansion plan showing the funds available for initial costs and recruitment.

Secondment Worker (Global Business Mobility)

• Proof of a contract with an overseas business for goods or investments worth at least £10 million per year, and no less than £50 million in total.

For how long the process takes, see our guide to sponsor licence processing times.

List 4: undefined organisations

If your organisation does not fit the categories above, you can submit alternative documents from List 4, such as:

• Proof of employer's liability insurance of at least £5 million.
• Latest audited financial reports, or a letter from your corporate bank setting out the nature and duration of its dealings with you.
• Proof of ownership or lease of your business premises, signed by all parties.
• A premises licence to serve alcohol, if applicable.

Organisations in this category can also provide documents such as employer registration with HM Revenue and Customs for PAYE and National Insurance, or recent company tax returns.

How to apply for a sponsor licence

Applying runs in a few steps:

1. Check the job you are sponsoring is eligible.
2. Decide which licence you need, Worker or Temporary Worker.
3. Appoint people to manage the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
4. Submit your online application with the supporting documents and pay the sponsor licence fees.

Our full sponsor licence application guide walks through each step.

How Borderless helps

Tired of outdated government systems and expensive lawyers? Borderless handles your sponsor licence application end to end, from gathering the right documents to staying compliant with Home Office rules, so you can get on with growing your team. Book a demo to get started.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need for a sponsor licence?

It depends on your organisation type. The Home Office sets the requirements in Appendix A, split into four lists. Most businesses need proof they are genuine and trading, evidence of their HR and monitoring systems, employer's liability insurance, and proof of premises.

What is Appendix A?

Appendix A is the section of the Home Office sponsor guidance that lists the documents you must submit with a sponsor licence application, grouped by organisation type and route.

How many documents do I need to submit?

Usually up to four, depending on your organisation type. Some regulated and public bodies need fewer, because the Home Office can verify them online.