Every sponsor licence application is backed by supporting documents. The list of what to send is Appendix A to the sponsor guidance (version 04/26, published 8 April 2026). This guide summarises its structure, deadlines and format rules. Appendix A is the authority: the exact documents depend on the type of organisation and the routes applied for, and a regulated adviser can advise on a particular application.
Why UKVI asks for documents
Appendix A, section 1.1 says the documents let UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) be satisfied that the organisation exists and is genuine, is legally operating or trading in the UK, meets any route requirements, and can sponsor workers in eligible roles and comply with its duties. In Appendix A, a "document" can also be the result of an online check or information given in a covering email or letter (section 6.1).
How many documents to send
Most organisations send at least 4 documents, or 4 combinations of documents (section 1.2). They are made up of:
- documents that are mandatory for the type of organisation (section 2)
- documents that are mandatory for the routes applied for (section 3)
- further documents from section 4, if needed to reach 4
Some applications need more than 4, for example where the mandatory items add up to more. Government departments, public bodies and some other organisations listed in section 5 may need fewer, or none.
Mandatory documents for certain organisations
Section 2 applies to four kinds of organisation:
- Charities must show charitable status. A registered charity listed under the same name on a charity regulator's website can give its registration number, and UKVI checks online (section 2.1).
- Franchisees send the franchise agreement signed by both franchisee and franchisor (section 2.2).
- Start-ups operating or trading in the UK for less than 18 months send their most recent statement from a UK corporate or business bank account with a bank regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority (section 2.3).
- Regulated organisations give their regulator's name and their registration number. UKVI usually checks online (section 2.4). For example, adult social care providers must be registered with the relevant care regulator, and Skilled Worker applicants intending to sponsor care workers or senior care workers in England must also give their Care Quality Commission registration number and work locations.
Missing a mandatory item makes the application invalid (section 2).
Extra information for Skilled Worker applicants
Skilled Worker and Minister of Religion applicants send additional information on top of the 4 documents (section 3.11). This includes:
- why the organisation is applying, which sectors it works in and its normal opening hours (Skilled Worker only)
- a current hierarchy chart showing owners, directors, partners and board members
- for organisations with 50 employees or fewer, a list of all employees with names and job titles
- for each vacancy or planned role: job title, occupation code, main duties, place on the chart, weekly hours, pay, and required skills and qualifications
If a worker has already been identified, the organisation explains how it found them, with evidence, and gives their name, date of birth, nationality and immigration status if in the UK. If the person already works there, it sends their job details and the last 3 months' payslips. The role checker shows the published rules for each occupation code.
Other documents that count towards the minimum
Section 4 lists documents an organisation can choose from, including:
- proof of HMRC registration, such as PAYE, Corporation Tax or VAT (section 4.1)
- the most recent annual accounts or audited annual report; if they are free to view online, for example on Companies House, the web address is enough (section 4.2)
- recent business bank statements, or a letter from the bank describing its dealings with the organisation (section 4.3)
- a listing on a recognised stock exchange (section 4.4)
- employer's liability insurance of at least 5 million pounds, proof of owning or leasing premises, client invoices or contracts, planning permission, or non-mandatory accreditations (section 4.5)
When and how to send them
After the online form is submitted, a submission sheet is generated. The Authorising Officer signs and dates the declaration. All pages, with the documents, go to the email address on the sheet no later than 5 working days after submitting the form (Appendix A, section 1.3; Part 1, L6.29). Nothing is posted unless UKVI asks.
GOV.UK and section 6.3 set the file rules: PDF (preferred), JPEG or PNG; descriptive file names of 25 characters or fewer, without accented or special characters; and legible scans. Documents not in English or Welsh need a certified translation (section 6.6). Affidavits and statutory declarations must be witnessed by a qualified, independent person such as a solicitor or notary (section 6.5).
What happens if something is missing
If a mandatory document is missing, late, incomplete or in the wrong format, the application is rejected without consideration and the fee refunded; the organisation must apply and pay again (section 1.4). If a non-mandatory document is missing, or UKVI wants more, it emails the Key Contact and allows 5 working days. Missing that deadline leads to refusal, without a refund, and possibly a cooling-off period of at least 6 months before reapplying.
UKVI may check documents with the bodies that issued them. A document confirmed as false leads to refusal and may be referred to the police (section 6.7).
Common questions
Do we have to post original documents?
Not normally. UKVI can ask for originals or certified copies, and returns originals by Royal Mail Signed For to the Authorising Officer's address (section 6.4).
Can UKVI check something online instead?
Yes. Where information is on a public register or website, the organisation can give the address or registration number and UKVI checks it. If UKVI would have to pay to see it, a copy must be sent (section 6.2).
Who will UKVI contact about missing documents?
The Key Contact named in the application, and possibly the Authorising Officer. UKVI does not contact a legal representative unless they are the Key Contact (section 1.5).
What do the fees come to?
The cost calculator adds up the licence fee, certificates and the Immigration Skills Charge.