To apply for a sponsorship licence in the UK, a company should follow these key steps:

1. Determine Eligibility: Ensure that your company meets the eligibility criteria set by the Home Office. This includes being a genuine business operating in the UK, with appropriate HR systems in place to monitor sponsored employees.
2. Gather Required Documentation: Compile the necessary documents to support your application. This typically includes proof of your business's legitimacy, such as registration details, tax information, and evidence of your HR processes.
3. Complete the Application: Submit your application online through the UK government's official portal. You will need to provide detailed information about your business and pay the applicable fee, which varies depending on your company's size and the type of licence you're applying for.
4. Submit Supporting Evidence: Along with the application, submit the required supporting documents. Make sure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
5. Await Processing: The Home Office will review your application. The standard processing time is usually around 8 weeks, but you can opt for a priority service to potentially expedite this to 10 working days for an additional fee.
6. Compliance Visit: Be prepared for a possible compliance visit from the Home Office to assess your ability to meet sponsorship obligations.
7. Receive Decision: Once your application is processed, you will be notified of the decision. If approved, you will receive your sponsorship licence and can begin issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to foreign workers.

For more detailed information and guidance on the application process, visit this UK Sponsor Licence guide from ICS Legal.