Overview of documents required for a Sponsor Licence application

This blog delves into the key sponsor licence application documents required by the Home Office

If you are considering applying for a UK sponsor licence, it is critical that you understand the required documentation, which is based on your industry sector. The Home Office outlines these requirements in “Appendix A: supporting documents for sponsor licence application”, and they also vary depending on your organisation type.

For large organisations, such as public entities or companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, minimal documentation is typically required. These organisations may only need a confirmation letter from the relevant government department verifying their status, unless specific mandatory documents are outlined in one of the tables for the particular immigration sponsorship route or routes you are applying under.

On the other hand, start-ups must submit more detailed paperwork. These companies must provide detailed financial documentation, including a business plan outlining financial projections and proof of a corporate bank account with a UK-registered bank (such as a bank statement or letter). Other required documents include a VAT registration certificate, lease to the premises and employer’s liability insurance certificates. Franchises must submit a signed franchise agreement between the franchisor and franchisee. This serves as proof of the business relationship, and it is critical for demonstrating your organisational structure.

For businesses in regulated sectors (e.g. care homes, financial services or food businesses), it is necessary to provide documentation from the appropriate governing body. Care homes and financial services companies will typically need to obtain approval from government bodies, such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The Home Office will conduct an online check to verify your status. Food businesses must provide proof of registration or approval from the local Food Authority, such as a food hygiene rating or an acceptance letter.

Certain visa routes require tailored documentation depending on the type of workers that you are looking to sponsor. For example, International Sportsperson route will require an endorsement from the relevant sport’s governing body. This endorsement must be approved by the Home Office and should include the governing body’s unique reference number. Organisations applying for Minister of Religion or Religious Worker sponsor licence must submit a General Register Office form authorising the use of their premises as a place of worship. In addition, documentation regarding the congregation size, a hierarchy chart and the addresses of places of worship may be necessary. For the UK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility) sponsor licence, you will need to submit evidence that your business has presence in the UK, such as a business premises lease or the registration of a UK branch. Proof of overseas trading activity, for example, audited financial reports and an expansion plan, detailing initial costs and recruitment efforts, is also required.

If your business does not fall under one of the above categories, you will need to provide documents from Table 4 in Appendix A. These can include an employer’s liability insurance certificate, the latest audited financial reports or a letter from your bank outlining the nature and duration of your relationship, as well as proof of ownership or a lease agreement for your business premises, signed by all relevant parties. If your business involves serving alcohol, you must provide a premises licence confirming that your location is authorised to serve alcoholic beverages.

Failing to meet these industry-specific requirements can result in delays or rejection of your application. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure from the outset that correct documents are submitted to maximise your chances for a smooth and trouble-free sponsor licence application process.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to?contact us?for advice, send us an?e-mail: [email protected]

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

?Gherson?2024