Appendix A Sponsor Licence Supporting Documents

Section A: What is Appendix A for sponsor licence applications?

“Appendix A: supporting documents for sponsor licence applications” is a section within the official Sponsor Guidance that sets out the evidence organisations must provide when applying for a sponsor licence. It is an appendix to the full policy guidance on sponsoring someone under the ‘Worker’ or ‘Temporary Worker’ routes, listing the documents that must be provided to evidence eligibility in support of a successful licence application.

Appendix A sets out the different types of documents that must be sent, based on the nature of your organisation and the type of licence sought. It also outlines the format of documents, any documents or information available online, and how soon you must send your documents.

When applying to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI – the Home Office division responsible for administering UK immigration) for a sponsor licence, there are strict documentation requirements that must be met.

Employers make their sponsor licence application online through the official UK government portal. Once the form has been completed and authorised by the Authorising Officer, and the application fee paid, you have 5 working days to submit the supporting documents online.

In all cases, a minimum number of required documents must be submitted in support of the application. For your application to be valid, and a case-working decision to be made, these documents must also be submitted online within 5 working days of the date on which you submitted your online application and paid the application fee. If any of the mandatory documents specified in Appendix A are missing or incorrect, your application will be deemed invalid. In these circumstances, UKVI will reject your application and refund the application fee. You would need to submit a new application with the correct documents.

If any other documents are missing, other than mandatory documents, or if UKVI require any additional documents, they will contact you by email. You will be given 5 working days to submit those documents, where your application will be refused, and your fee will not be refunded, if you fail to do so within the time provided.

UKVI also reserves the right to ask for more documents at any time during the licence application process and may even ask for documents not listed in Appendix A. This may be the case where additional evidence is required to verify that the organisation meets the genuineness and suitability criteria.

If you fail to send any information, evidence or documents requested within 5 working days, your application for a sponsor licence will again be refused and your fee will not be refunded.

Section B: Appendix A Supporting Documents

Appendix A comprises four tables which list the documents and information to send in support of your sponsor licence application. In most cases, you must send at least 4 documents — or, where stated, 4 combinations of documents — including any documents described as mandatory. The main exception to the 4-document rule is for organisations specifically listed in Table 1, who may be subject to reduced or altered documentation requirements.

If you are applying under either the ‘Skilled Worker’ route or the ‘T2 Minister of Religion’ route, in addition to the 4 minimum documents, you must also provide extra information about your organisation, why you are applying, the types of job roles you wish to fill and any migrant workers already identified to fill those roles.

The four tables set out under Appendix A are as follows:

By far the easiest way to determine which documents you will need to submit in support of your application is to carefully read through each of the tables, starting with Table 1. As you work through the tables, you may find that an online check can be carried out to obtain the information needed instead, although you will still need to identify in a covering letter or email the address of the relevant web page where the information can be found.

You should also read the full “Workers and Temporary Workers: guidance for sponsors” before applying for your sponsor licence, as this guidance contains illustrative examples which explain how to put together the right documents to validate your licence application. This also explains the procedure when sending certified copies by post, as well as the procedure used by UKVI, known as the standard procedure, for verifying the correctness or genuineness of documents sent in support of your application. If you are new to sponsorship, it may be helpful to read the relevant route-specific guidance first.

1. Table 1 of Appendix A

Table 1 of Appendix A for specific bodies and organisations sets out some limited circumstances when you may not have to submit 4 documents in support of your application. This includes where you are an organisation of the type listed in Table 1, where you need only send the documents or information described. In some cases, you may not need to send any documents at all, unless there are items listed in Tables 2 or 3 specifically required for your type of organisation or the route on which you are applying to become a sponsor. The specific bodies and organisations listed under Table 1 include:

• Government departments, government agencies or other public bodies listed on the ‘Departments, agencies and public bodies’ page at GOV.UK
• Public bodies not listed on ‘Departments, agencies and public bodies’ at GOV.UK
• Local authorities or local councils
• Those applying under the International Agreement route as either a diplomatic mission or a consular post, or as a recognised international organisation included in the ‘Exempt organisations list’ and whose employees qualify for exempt entry clearances
• Those listed on the London stock exchange (main market)
• Those applying under the Scale-up route.

Reference should be made to the specific requirements set out under Table 1 of Appendix A based on your organisation type, where relevant. Otherwise, if your organisation is not of a type listed in Table 1, you should turn to Table 2 of Appendix A.

2. Table 2 of Appendix A

Table 2 sets out the documents you must submit if you are either a start-up, a franchise, a charity, or an organisation subject to mandatory regulation, inspection or monitoring. The documents set out under Table 2 are mandatory for the organisations listed in this table.

If you are a start-up, operating or trading in the UK for less than 18 months on the date of application, you must submit evidence that you have a current corporate account with a bank registered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the UK (unless applying under the UK Expansion Worker route).

If you are a franchise, you must submit your franchise agreement signed by both parties.

If you are a charity listed on the register or website for the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland or the Scottish Charity Regulator under the same name in which you are applying for a sponsor licence, you do not need to submit any evidence of your charitable status. Your entry can be checked online, unless you are applying under a different name. For the additional evidential requirements for charities, reference should be made to Table 2 of Appendix A.

If you are required to be registered with, or inspected or monitored by, a regulatory body to operate lawfully in the UK, you will need to state who you are regulated by and provide your registration number. However, you must submit documentary evidence of your registration and, where relevant, your latest inspection report, if your regulatory body does not maintain an online public register. For the additional evidential requirements here, reference should again be made to Table 2 of Appendix A.

Once you have identified any relevant mandatory documents in Table 2, you should turn to Table 3 of Appendix A for any route-specific documents.

3. Table 3 of Appendix A

Table 3 refers to route-specific documents, setting out the documentation which is mandatory for the route, or routes, on which you are applying for a sponsor licence. This section is especially detailed, making provision for a number of different routes, including:

• The International Sportsperson route
• The Government Authorised Exchange route
• The Seasonal Worker route
• The T2 Minister of Religion or Religious Worker route
• GBM – Service Supplier route
• GBM – Senior or Specialist Worker
• GBM – Graduate Trainee route
• GBM – UK Expansion Worker route
• GBM – Secondment Worker route

When applying on any one of the relevant routes for which provision is made under Table 3, reference should be made to the route-specific documents needed, in addition to the other tables. For example, if you are an England-based sports club and registered charity applying under the International Sportsperson route, you must submit 3 documents and UKVI will conduct one online check, giving a total of the following 4 pieces of evidence:

• Appendix A, Table 2: UKVI must have evidence of your charitable status, but this can be checked on the Charity Commission for England and Wales website, where this will count as one piece of evidence
• Appendix A, Table 3: UKVI must have evidence of your endorsement from the governing body for your sport, where you must submit the relevant document from Table 3. This will again count as one piece of evidence
• Appendix A, Table 4: you must also choose 2 more pieces of evidence from Table 4 to bring your total number of documents to 4.

In all cases, if you have not identified 4 documents to submit in support of your application after looking at Tables 1, 2 and 3, you must turn to Table 4 of Appendix A.

4. Table 4 of Appendix A

Table 4 deals with other documents you can send in support of your licence application if you still need to make your total number of documents up to a minimum of 4, including:

• Evidence of £5m+ employer’s liability insurance cover from an FCA-authorised insurer
• Proof of your listing on either the London Stock Exchange (AIM market), as an overseas company on the London Stock Exchange International Companies listing or on one of the FCA-approved international stock exchanges
• Proof of registration with HMRC as being self-employed, either by way of original or certified copies of documents issued by HMRC, or your latest self-assessment tax return
• Proof of registration with HMRC as an employer for PAYE and National Insurance by way of a HMRC-issued document
• Your latest acknowledgement of a Company Tax Return, or completed return and notice
• Your HMRC VAT registration certificate, or your VAT registration number in a cover letter or email so UKVI can check your registration online
• Evidence of submitting returns to the HMRC – Foreign Entertainers Unit
• Proof of ownership of your business premises or a lease signed by all parties concerned
• Evidence of appropriate planning permission to operate your type or class of business at your trading address where this is a local authority requirement
• A licence for your premises to serve alcohol issued by the local authority or court
• Your most recent annual accounts, or annual financial statement or report, with the name of the accountant (who should be a member of an accredited accounting body), or the relevant website in a cover letter or email if this information can be viewed online
• Your latest corporate or business bank statement, and/or a letter from your bank setting out the nature and duration of its dealings with you, although submitting both these documents will only count as one (unless you are a ‘Start-up’ as described in Table 2).

When selecting a document or documents from Table 4 of Appendix A to make up the minimum total of 4, the instructions for the type of document selected must be carefully followed. This applies to all documentation or information prescribed by Appendix A, where any failure to follow the requirements exactly can result in your application for a sponsor licence being rejected as invalid or even refused by UKVI.

5. Special Requirements for UK Expansion Worker Sponsor Licence

The UK Expansion Worker route carries distinct documentary requirements, beyond those applicable to general sponsor licence applications. Organisations applying under this route must demonstrate clear evidence of their overseas presence and intention to expand into the UK market.

Organisations applying under the UK Expansion Worker route must provide evidence demonstrating an active, sustained and credible trading presence outside the UK, often evidenced by at least several years of operations supported by audited accounts or annual financial reports.

Alongside evidence of existing overseas business activities, organisations must substantiate their planned expansion into the UK. The required evidence includes a detailed business plan, clearly setting out the scope, scale and nature of the proposed UK activities. The business plan should illustrate organisational structure, investment forecasts, proposed staffing levels and roles intended for sponsorship. The Home Office closely assesses these documents to verify genuine intent to establish a UK presence.

An additional specific requirement involves evidence of suitable business premises within the UK. Organisations must submit proof such as lease agreements, signed rental contracts or evidence of property purchase. The documentation provided should clearly specify the intended business use of the premises and demonstrate suitability for the organisation’s operational needs.

Applicants under this route must also show evidence of holding or having applied for a UK corporate bank account. Organisations may submit recent correspondence from a UK-based banking institution confirming the account opening or application process. The Home Office places significant weight on the establishment of a UK-based banking arrangement as evidence of genuine preparation for business expansion.

6. Special Requirements for Charities and Not For Profits

Charities and non-profit organisations face particular documentary requirements under Appendix A when applying for a sponsor licence. These organisations must present clear evidence verifying their charitable or non-profit status, regulatory compliance and operational legitimacy.

Charities registered in the UK with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland or the Scottish Charity Regulator typically benefit from streamlined documentation requirements. Applicants must ensure the charity is registered under the exact name used in the sponsor licence application, allowing the Home Office to verify charitable status via publicly accessible online registers without further documentation.

If the charity operates under a different name or trading name than the one registered, additional evidence must be submitted. Applicants in these circumstances need to provide documents such as formal registration certificates, official correspondence from the relevant charity regulator confirming status or copies of governing documents clearly linking the charity’s registered name with the applicant name.

In addition to proof of charitable status, charities must provide financial documentation clearly evidencing their operational viability. The Home Office expects recent financial accounts, including income and expenditure reports or independently audited accounts, usually covering the last financial year. These documents must clearly outline the charity’s financial position, income sources, and ongoing operational sustainability.

Where charities or non-profit organisations are subject to external regulation or inspection—for example, education charities or healthcare-related non-profits—they must submit evidence of compliance. The Home Office typically expects the most recent inspection or audit report issued by the regulatory body. If the relevant regulator publishes inspection findings or registration information online, applicants may alternatively provide a web link directly to the applicable record in the covering submission.

Charities may also be required to provide copies of governing documents such as articles of association, trust deeds or constitutional documents. These documents must outline the charity’s legal structure, charitable purpose and governance arrangements clearly. Providing these ensures the Home Office can verify the organisation’s legitimacy and its compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Section C: Document Verification and Home Office Checks

When documents are submitted in support of a sponsor licence application under Appendix A, the Home Office conducts thorough checks to verify their authenticity, accuracy and validity. These checks ensure that organisations genuinely meet the eligibility criteria and maintain compliance with sponsor licence standards.

Upon receiving supporting documents, Home Office caseworkers perform an initial review to confirm completeness and accuracy. They verify that all documents submitted are legible, in the correct format and meet the requirements specified within Appendix A. Online sources are also checked. Documents are cross-checked against details provided in the online sponsor licence application to ensure consistency and authenticity.

The Home Office routinely conducts verification using external online databases and official registries to authenticate submitted documents. For instance, company registrations, charitable status, regulatory compliance or financial information may be validated via online sources such as Companies House, Charity Commission registers or regulatory agency databases. If such information is publicly available and matches the details provided by the organisation, this typically expedites processing. Any discrepancies found during online checks prompt further scrutiny.

Where online verification is insufficient, or discrepancies arise, the Home Office may directly contact the organisation or relevant third parties (such as banks, accountants or regulatory bodies) to validate documents or obtain additional evidence. Organisations must be prepared to respond swiftly to these requests, usually within a short period—commonly five working days—to avoid application refusal or delays.

The Home Office reserves the right to conduct compliance visits as part of document verification. Audits may be announced or unannounced, involving Home Office officials inspecting an organisation’s business premises and operational documentation. During such visits, officials typically review original versions of documents submitted under Appendix A, interview key personnel such as the Authorising Officer, and examine compliance procedures and records to validate the organisation’s claims.

If the Home Office identifies inaccuracies, false information or fraudulent documentation, severe repercussions may follow. The sponsor licence application could be refused outright, with no refund of fees, and the organisation may be prevented from submitting future applications for a set period. Additionally, existing sponsors found to have submitted inaccurate documents risk licence suspension or revocation, damaging the organisation’s ability to sponsor migrant workers.

Section D: Dealing with Document Rejection and Resubmission

If documents submitted under Appendix A are rejected by the Home Office, found to be incomplete or require resubmission, organisations must respond promptly and clearly. The process of resubmitting documentation is subject to specific Home Office procedures, timelines and expectations.

When the Home Office rejects a document or requests further evidence, the notification will clearly outline the specific issues identified, such as incomplete details, incorrect format or insufficient evidence. Organisations must carefully review these reasons to understand exactly what additional information or corrections are necessary to rectify the issue.

After receiving notification of document rejection or a request for additional information, the organisation typically has a limited timeframe, usually five working days, to submit the corrected documents or additional evidence. This timeframe is strictly enforced, and failing to respond within the specified deadline often results in the sponsor licence application being refused, without refund of the application fee. Organisations must act promptly to ensure compliance within this short period.

Correcting rejected or incomplete documents requires careful attention. Organisations should first address each specific point raised by the Home Office clearly and precisely. Corrected or additional documents must be fully compliant with the relevant Appendix A provisions and submitted in the correct format, as instructed by UKVI. If required, supplementary explanations or evidence, such as a cover email clarifying amendments, can assist Home Office officials in understanding the corrections made.

Additional documents or corrected versions must be submitted exactly as instructed by the Home Office, typically electronically via email or through the SMS portal, using the original application reference. Organisations should include a clear, concise cover email or letter that specifies each corrected or newly submitted document. Clear filenames referencing the original document request can also reduce the risk of confusion or further delays.

If an organisation repeatedly faces rejection of submitted documents or fails to satisfy Home Office requirements after multiple submissions, this could indicate fundamental issues with the documentation or eligibility itself. At this stage, organisations may consider obtaining professional advice from immigration specialists, as continuing resubmissions without addressing core issues could lead to application refusal and loss of application fees.

Section E: Common Mistakes When Submitting Appendix A Documents

Errors made during document submissions under Appendix A can result in delays, rejections or even outright refusal of sponsor licence applications. Employers frequently encounter similar issues, many of which are avoidable with careful attention to detail and a clear understanding of the requirements.

1. Submitting Incorrect or Outdated Documents

One common mistake occurs when organisations submit outdated, irrelevant or incorrect documentation. For example, providing expired regulatory certificates, outdated financial statements or incorrect registration documents can cause the Home Office to reject submissions. Employers should always verify that each document is current, relevant and meets precisely the specifications listed in Appendix A.

2. Incomplete or Illegible Documents

Documents submitted to the Home Office must be fully legible and complete. Illegible scans, partially obscured text or missing pages often lead to rejection. Organisations can avoid this issue by thoroughly checking each scanned document prior to submission, ensuring every page is clear and every relevant detail is visible. Rescanning or adjusting document quality can resolve most legibility issues.

3. Failure to Follow Submission Guidelines

Another frequent error is the failure to follow clearly outlined submission guidelines, including file format, file size and naming conventions. Sending documents in an unapproved format or exceeding email attachment limits can result in submissions being rejected. Employers should adhere strictly to the Home Office instructions, typically submitting documents in PDF format, clearly named, and within the advised file size limits.

4. Errors in Online Referencing

Online verification is only valid if clearly identified. If UKVI is expected to verify something online, you must flag the exact source (e.g. Charity Commission page). Omitting the URL or giving incomplete information can cost your application.

5. Not Providing Sufficient Evidence

Some employers fail to provide the required minimum number of documents specified by Appendix A. Organisations are generally required to submit at least four documents unless explicitly exempt or instructed otherwise. Employers can avoid this pitfall by carefully reviewing each table in Appendix A, along with the Sponsor Guidance, confirming they meet the minimum documentary requirements before submission.

6. Omitting Supporting Information or Context

Occasionally, employers fail to provide necessary context or clarification in their submission, causing confusion or misinterpretation by Home Office officials. For instance, if documents contain abbreviations, acronyms or internal references unfamiliar to the Home Office, a lack of explanatory notes can cause unnecessary delays. Organisations should include a brief cover letter or email clarifying any unclear points or referencing documents clearly to avoid ambiguity.

7. Delays in Providing Requested Information

Employers frequently underestimate the strict deadlines enforced by the Home Office for submitting additional requested information or corrected documents. Any delay beyond the specified time frame—usually five working days—can result in the rejection of the application without refund. Employers must respond promptly and accurately to Home Office requests to avoid losing their application fees and needing to restart the process.

Section F: Summary

Appendix A of the Sponsor Guidance specifies the exact types of documents that must be submitted to evidence eligibility, depending on the organisation’s structure, industry and the visa route being applied for. The appendix is structured across four tables, each covering different categories of business and sponsorship types, with additional obligations for start-ups, charities, regulated bodies and Global Business Mobility applicants.

The Home Office applies a strict five working day deadline for submission of all supporting evidence after the online application is lodged. Failure to meet this deadline or to provide accurate, compliant documentation typically results in rejection or refusal, often without refund. UKVI may also request further documents beyond those listed in Appendix A, or conduct pre-licence audits to assess legitimacy and compliance infrastructure.

Many applications fail because employers underestimate the importance of exact alignment with Appendix A wording, rely on incorrect document types, or misunderstand the additional requirements for specific organisation types or visa routes. Even technical issues such as document formatting or submission method can invalidate an application.

The appendix does not provide examples or templates, and UKVI does not provide feedback beyond rejection if documents are wrong. Organisations must therefore interpret and apply Appendix A with precision, cross-referencing it against their own legal structure and compliance profile.

Section G: Need assistance?

DavidsonMorris are recognised specialists in UK sponsorship licence applications. We provide expert guidance to organisations through the sponsorship application process, including advice on Appendix A requirements for supporting documents. Contact us if you have a query or require support with your licence application.

Section H: Appendix A FAQs

What is Appendix A in the UK sponsor licence process?

Appendix A is the official Home Office guidance document that outlines the specific evidence UK employers must submit when applying for a sponsor licence. It details the documents required to demonstrate that a business is genuine, operating lawfully and capable of meeting its sponsorship obligations.

What documents must employers provide under Appendix A?

Most employers will need to provide at least four documents to support their sponsor licence application, unless their organisation type is listed in Table 1 of Appendix A, which may require fewer documents. The required documents may include business registration certificates, VAT registration, employer’s liability insurance, financial records and proof of premises. Some organisations, such as start-ups, charities and franchises may need to provide additional documentation as specified in Appendix A.

What happens if the wrong documents are submitted?

Submitting incorrect, incomplete, or insufficient documentation can lead to delays or even refusal of a sponsor licence application. Employers should carefully review the requirements in Appendix A before submitting their application. If a required document is missing or does not meet Home Office standards, the application may be rejected or refused, requiring a new application and an additional fee.

Do Appendix A requirements apply after a sponsor licence is granted?

Appendix A primarily applies at the application stage, but ongoing compliance is essential. Once a licence is granted, employers must continue to meet sponsorship duties, including record-keeping, conducting right-to-work checks, and reporting changes to the Home Office. Failing to comply with sponsorship obligations can result in enforcement action, including suspension or revocation of the licence.

Section I: Glossary

Section J: Additional Resources and Links