Appendix A: The Document Requirements Explained
Every Sponsor Licence application must be supported by specific evidence set out in Appendix A of the Sponsor Guidance. Most organisations must submit at least four documents from the table that applies to their organisation type. Submitting documents from the wrong table, or fewer than the minimum required, is one of the most common causes of refusal.
Documents by Organisation Type
| Organisation Type | Typical Evidence |
|---|---|
| Established company | Certificate of Incorporation, VAT registration certificate, recent business bank statements, employer's liability insurance (min. £5m cover), latest audited accounts |
| Startup / trading under 18 months | Evidence of business premises (lease or title deeds), HMRC PAYE registration, business bank statements, VAT certificate if registered |
| Charity / not-for-profit | Charity Commission registration, governing document or constitution, business bank statements, proof of operating premises |
| Public body | Evidence of statutory status, official funding allocation letters, organisational structure chart |
Sector-Specific Documents
- Health and social care — CQC registration in England, or the relevant regulator's registration in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland — see our Sponsor Licence for Care Providers guide
- Education — registration with the Department for Education or the relevant education regulator
- Sport — endorsement from the relevant UKVI-approved sports governing body
General Rules That Apply to Every Document
- Documents must be clear, legible, and in the correct format
- The organisation's name, address and registration details must match exactly across every document and the application form itself
- Supporting documents must be submitted within five working days of the online application — missing this deadline results in automatic rejection
- Bank statements are generally expected to be recent (within the last three months)
Common Document Mistakes That Cause Refusal
- Submitting documents from the wrong Appendix A table for your organisation type
- Outdated or expired documents, such as a lapsed insurance certificate
- Names, addresses or registration numbers that don't match exactly between documents and the application form
- Missing mandatory sector-specific evidence, such as CQC registration for care providers
- Submitting fewer than the minimum four required documents
Solicitor's Insight
UKVI can and does verify documents directly with banks, insurers and regulators. We check every document against the application form line by line before submission, and typically prepare a small margin of additional supporting evidence in anticipation of follow-up queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many documents do I need for a sponsor licence application?
Most organisations must submit at least four documents from the Appendix A table that matches their organisation type, though UKVI can request additional evidence if needed.
What happens if I submit the wrong documents?
Submitting documents from the wrong Appendix A table, or documents that don't meet the requirements, is one of the most common reasons for refusal.
How quickly do I need to submit supporting documents?
Within five working days of submitting the online application. Missing this deadline results in automatic rejection of the application.
Do care providers need extra documents?
Yes. Care providers sponsoring care workers must additionally provide evidence of CQC registration (or the relevant regulator's registration outside England).