Documents Required for Sponsor Licence Application

The supporting documents required for a sponsor licence application depend on your business type and circumstances but typically include proof of business registration, financial stability, premises, HR systems, and information about key personnel.

To avoid delays or refusals in your Sponsor Licence application, ensure all supporting documents are up-to-date, accurate, and translated into English if needed.

Don't miss any documents in your Sponsor Licence application. Our guide provides a complete list of documents required for a UK Sponsor Licence application.

Table of Contents

What is a sponsorship licence?

UK employers seeking to hire skilled overseas workers must first obtain a sponsorship licence.

A UK sponsorship licence is a permit issued by the Home Office that allows UK-based employers to hire and sponsor foreign skilled workers legally.

Sponsor licence allows UK employers not only to hire skilled talent from overseas but also to recruit workers already in the UK who are sponsored by competing firms.

A sponsor licence helps UK employers or organisations to fill skill gaps and meet specific labour needs that cannot be fulfilled by the local workforce.

This licence ensures that businesses meet specific criteria and compliance requirements to employ foreign talent, including verifying job roles, skill levels, and salary standards.

What documents are required for a Sponsor Licence application?

When you're applying for a sponsor licence, you must provide:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Recent audited annual accounts
• Employer's liability insurance certificate
• VAT registration certificate (if applicable)
• Most recent corporate bank account statement
• HMRC registration details, including PAYE number
• Proof of business premises ownership or commercial lease
• Utility bills (e.g., electricity, water) to confirm the business address
• Details about the HR system to manage foreign workers
• Details about key personnel and their duties

You may need to provide additional documents depending on the nature of your business and how long it has been operating in the UK.

Documents for key personnel

You need to submit documents such as:

• Key personnel contact information.
• Key personnel job details and responsibilities.
• Detailed resumes of the key individuals responsible for managing the sponsorship.
• Documentation showing that these key personnel have the legal right to work in the UK.
• Detail about any criminal convictions.

What HR documents do you need to provide?

HR documents should demonstrate your ability to manage and monitor sponsored workers.

You should provide:

• HR policy documents.
• Employer's liability insurance certificate
• Payroll records.
• Employment contracts.
• Proof of HR system to manage and track sponsored workers.
• Appropriate system to record authorised and unauthorised absences.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

What happens if you don’t submit all the required documents?

Failing to submit all required supporting documents can result in your Sponsor Licence application being delayed or refused.

Consulting an immigration solicitor is recommended to ensure you provide all required documentation tailored to your business type and specific circumstances.

Sponsor licence applicants should refer to Appendix A of the Home Office guidance for a complete list of mandatory documents needed for their application.

How soon you must send your documents

To ensure your Sponsor Licence application is valid, you must submit all required documents within 5 working days of your online application submission.

If any mandatory documents are missing or incorrect, your application will be deemed invalid, and we will reject it and refund the application fee.

For any missing non-mandatory documents or if additional information is needed, we will reach out to you via email. You will have 5 working days to provide the requested documents. Failure to do so within this timeframe will result in application refusal, and the fee will not be refunded.

Acceptable format for supporting documents and tips for a successful submission

You should scan or take pictures of your supporting documents and send them to the email address provided on the submission sheet.

Here is a guide on acceptable document formats and useful tips:

• Files can be in PDF (preferred), JPEG or PNG format.
• File titles should be descriptive and no more than 25 characters long.
• To reduce file sizes, scan documents in black and white or greyscale instead of colour.
• Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and free of errors.
• Double-check that all information is accurate and up to date.
• If any documents are not in English, provide a certified translation along with the original.

Do you need to submit original documents for the Sponsor Licence application?

No, you do not need to submit original documents. However, you must submit clear copies of the original documents.

You can scan or take pictures of your supporting documents and send them in in PDF (preferred), JPEG or PNG format

If the documents are not in English or Welsh, you must provide a certified translation.

How to prove that your business is actively trading?

Proof of active trading can include recent audited annual accounts, insurance certificates, bank statements, client or supplier contracts, recent invoices, marketing materials, and other documents that demonstrate ongoing business activities.

By submitting these documents, you can prove that your business is actively trading which is a mandatory requirement for your Sponsor Licence application.

What documents are required to prove my business premises?

You can provide a commercial lease agreement, utility bills, business rates bills, or the title deed if your business owns the premises. These documents should be in the name of your business.

Where can I get help if I’m unsure about the documents required?

If you’re unsure about the documents required, it’s advisable to consult with our team of business immigration solicitors in London who specialise in Sponsor Licence applications.

Contact Wembley Solicitors at 0203 417 3700 for an eligibility assessment and an exhaustive list of documents needed for your Sponsor Licence application.