ABN & ACN Lookup: Verifying Sponsor Eligibility for 482 Visas

When preparing an application for a 482 Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage), the legal standing and sponsorship capacity of the employer are just as critical as the applicant’s qualifications in determining the visa outcome.

At MK Lees Immigration, we always encourage our clients to proactively research their nominating employers. This article provides expert insights into the differences between ABN and ACN, along with a step-by-step guide to verifying business information through official Australian government systems with transparency and accuracy.

Section 1. Expert Perspective: Sole Traders (ABN Only) vs. Corporate Structures (ABN & ACN)

To provide you with a practical and intuitive perspective, MK Lees Immigration is pleased to share real-world examples from business entities owned and managed by Mr. Murray Lees (CEO with over 30 years of experience in Australian business operations).

In this video, Ms. Kathy Lees (Business Development Director) joins Mr. Murray Lees (CEO of MK Lees Immigration) to analyze the differences between:

• MK Lees Immigration: Corporate Structure (Hold both ABN & ACN: 692 787 287).
• Vote Right: Sole Trader Structure (ABN Only: 51 521 907 769).

These first-hand operational insights will help you understand why an entity’s legal structure directly impacts its sponsorship capacity and your overall migration pathway.

Video: Ms. Kathy Lees and Mr. Murray Lees discuss the legalities and sponsorship eligibility of various Australian business models.

Section 2: Defining the Concepts: What are ABN & ACN?

Within the Australian business registration system, these two identification numbers appear frequently and serve distinct legal roles:

ACN (Australian Company Number) – Corporate Identity Number

ABN (Australian Business Number) – Business Tax Identifier

The Practical Link Between ABN and ACN

The numbers assigned to a business depend entirely on its chosen structure:

1. If you incorporate a Company

You are issued an ACN first, which is then used to apply for an ABN. In this case, the company’s ABN is typically: 2 check digits + the 9 digits of the ACN.

2. If you operate as a Sole Trader

You only have an ABN. You do not have an ACN because you are not a separate legal entity from the individual owner.

Section 3: Entities with both ABN & ACN (The High-Capacity Sponsor Group)

This group must first register with ASIC to obtain a legal personality before applying for an ABN from the ATO:

• Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd): The most common structure for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia.
• Public Company (Ltd): Includes companies listed on the stock exchange or large entities with numerous shareholders.
• Company Limited by Guarantee: Typically large charities, non-profits, or registered sports clubs. These organizations have rigorous governance structures and high credibility when sponsoring staff for social or community sectors.

I. Identification via Naming Conventions (Suffixes)

This is the fastest way to identify which type of entity you are dealing with:

• Proprietary Limited Company: Always ends in “Pty Ltd” or “Proprietary Limited”. Example: MK Lees Immigration Pty Ltd.
• Public Company: Ends in “Ltd” or “Limited” only. They do not use “Pty” as there is no limit on the number of shareholders. Example: Woolworths Group Limited.
• Company Limited by Guarantee: Usually ends in “Ltd” or “Limited”.

Special Note: Certain large charitable/non-profit organizations are permitted by ASIC to omit “Limited” from their name if they prove a purely community-focused purpose. Example: Australian Red Cross (which is actually a Company Limited by Guarantee).

II. Identification on the ABN Lookup System (Government Portal)

When you enter a tax number at abr.business.gov.au, check the following fields:

• “Entity Type” Field:
  • Pty Ltd: Will appear as “Australian Private Company”.
  • Public Company & Company Limited by Guarantee: Both will appear as “Australian Public Company”.
• “ASIC Registration” Field:
  • Mandatory Indicator: All three groups MUST show an “ACN” followed by 9 digits with a status of “Registered”. If this field is missing, it is definitely not a company.

III. Summary of the Three Entity Types with an ACN

When searching the ABN Lookup system or reviewing an employment contract, applicants can identify ACN-bearing entities (High Credibility) by these traits:

Group 1: Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)

• Characteristics: The most prevalent business type in Australia, including SMEs and professional offices.
• Legal Suffix: Ends in “Pty Ltd” or “Proprietary Limited”.
• System Entity Type: Listed as “Australian Private Company”.
• Identifiers: Always holds both an ABN and an ACN.
• Applicant Advantage: Clear legal structure; easier to verify operational and financial history.

Group 2: Public Company (Ltd)

• Characteristics: Includes multinational corporations or large enterprises with a broad shareholder base.
• Legal Suffix: Ends in “Ltd” or “Limited” only (no “Pty”).
• System Entity Type: Listed as “Australian Public Company”.
• Identifiers: Mandatory ABN and ACN.
• Applicant Advantage: Strong financial backing; often large enough to qualify as an Accredited Sponsor (Priority processing).

Group 3: Company Limited by Guarantee

• Characteristics: Large non-profits, charities, religious organizations, or incorporated community clubs.
• Legal Suffix: Usually “Ltd” or “Limited”. Some specific organizations may be exempt from displaying “Limited” in their name.
• System Entity Type: Listed as “Australian Public Company”.
• Identifiers: Must have an ACN (proof of ASIC registration).
• Applicant Advantage: Extremely high credibility with the Department of Home Affairs due to strict governance, making the “Genuine Position” justification more favorable.

Mandatory Signs for All Three Groups:

• Status: The “ASIC registration – ACN…” row must appear with a “Registered” status in lookup results.
• Warning: If the lookup result lacks an ACN, the entity is likely unincorporated (such as a Sole Trader or Partnership), requiring more caution regarding evidence of financial capacity.

III. Strategic Advantages of Choosing a Sponsor with both ABN and ACN

When your search reveals that a sponsoring employer holds both an ABN and an ACN (particularly entities registered as Pty Ltd, Ltd, or Company Limited by Guarantee), Visa 482 applicants gain the following strategic advantages:

Section 4: Entities with ABN ONLY and No ACN (Lower 482 Visa Sponsorship Capacity)

This group lacks a legal personality separate from its owners (or possesses a non-corporate specialized structure):

• Sole Trader: An individual conducting business. The only identifier for their work is an ABN.
• Partnership: A group of people or entities carrying on a business together. A partnership holds a joint ABN but is not a company registered with ASIC.
• Trust: Includes Family Trusts, Unit Trusts, etc. These entities register for an ABN for tax reporting to the ATO but do not have an ACN (unless the managing party—the Trustee—is a company).
• Unincorporated Association: Informal groups, clubs, or community associations.
• Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF): A specialized form of Trust used solely for retirement savings, identified by an ABN.

I. Identification via Naming Conventions (Suffixes) for the ABN-ONLY Group

Unlike Corporate Models, the naming convention for these entities directly reflects the owners or their “non-independent” legal status.

1. Sole Trader

• Indicator: The primary legal name is the Full Name of the owner.
• Format: NGUYEN, VAN A or VAN A NGUYEN.
• Note: They may use a catchy “Trading Name,” but upon checking the ABN, the original entity name must remain the individual’s name. If “Pty Ltd” is missing, an individual is sponsoring you.

2. Partnership

• Indicator: Usually a combination of the members’ names or includes symbols like “&”, “And”, or “Partners”.
• Format: J SMITH & M DOE or SMITH AND PARTNERS.
• Characteristics: Strictly no suffixes like “Pty Ltd” or “Ltd”.

3. Trust

• Indicator: Always begins with the phrase “The Trustee for…” in the legal name.
• Structure: If an individual’s name follows “The Trustee for,” the entity only has an ABN. If a name ending in “Pty Ltd” follows, it is a Corporate Trustee (holding an ACN), but the Trust itself remains the contracting party.

4. Unincorporated Association

• Indicator: Names ending in “Club”, “Association”, “Society”, or “Group” but WITHOUT “Inc.” or “Ltd”.
• Characteristics: If it includes “Inc.”, it is incorporated at the state level. If it lacks any suffix, it is an informal group with an ABN only.

5. Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF)

• Indicator: Typically contains the phrase “Super Fund” or “Superannuation Fund”.
• Format: THE SMITH FAMILY SUPER FUND.

II. General Indicators on the ABN Lookup System for the ABN-ONLY Group

When accessing abr.business.gov.au, entities without corporate legal standing will show the following signs:

1. Total Absence of an ACN

• Indicator: The “ASIC registration” field will be completely BLANK or will not appear. This confirms the entity is not registered with ASIC.

2. “Entity type” Field Does Not Contain “Company”

• Status Displayed: Individual/Sole Trader, Family Partnership, Trust, or Unincorporated Entity.

3. Taxation Registration Status

• Goods & Services Tax (GST): Sole Traders with turnover under $75,000 often do not register for GST. This is a “red flag” regarding business scale.
• Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR): Usually lack DGR status, unlike large non-profit organizations.

4. Detailed Indicators by Type:

III. Risks for 482 Visa Applications with ABN-ONLY Sponsors

From a migration expert’s perspective, identifying an ABN-ONLY sponsor means you should prepare for the following challenges:

Section 5: Requirements for Becoming a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)

To bring foreign workers to Australia, a business must first be approved by the Department of Home Affairs as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This is the most critical legal foundation required before proceeding with individual visa sponsorship.

I. Legal Regulations on SBS Sponsorship Status

Australian Migration Law permits a diverse range of entities to apply for SBS status, provided they are “Lawfully Operating” in Australia. This means sponsorship rights are not exclusive to large corporations; even small-scale businesses have the opportunity, provided they meet rigorous financial and operational standards.

II. Entities Eligible to Sponsor 482 Visas

Below is a list of common entity types eligible to apply for sponsorship status:

• Companies (Pty Ltd or Ltd): The most common form and the easiest to satisfy “legal entity” requirements.
• Sole Traders: CAN sponsor, but are typically subject to more intense scrutiny by the Department of Home Affairs regarding financial capacity and the genuine nature of the position.
• Partnerships: CAN sponsor.
• Trusts: CAN sponsor (usually through the Trustee of the Trust).
• Non-profit Organisations: Legally registered associations or charities.
• Government Agencies: Departments, statutory authorities, or public bodies.

III. Four (04) Critical Conditions for Sponsorship Approval

Whether a business holds an ACN or only an ABN, it must pass through the “filter” of these four conditions:

• Lawfully Operating: The business must prove it is actively trading (evidenced by BAS lodgments, employee payroll, and generated revenue).
• Financial Viability: This is often the most significant hurdle. The business must demonstrate the capacity to pay at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently set at $73,150 + Superannuation (Note: Please verify the latest annual indexation).

Warning: If a business (especially a Sole Trader) reports revenue lower than the salary committed to you, the application will almost certainly be refused.

• Genuine Position: The nominated position must be necessary for the business’s operations and not an “artificial” role created solely for visa purposes.
• Labour Market Testing (LMT): The employer must provide evidence of advertising the role in Australia for at least 4 weeks without finding a suitable local candidate.

IV. Key Insights for Applicants

• Start-up Businesses (Operating under 12 months): Still hold the right to sponsor, but SBS status is typically granted for only 18 months (instead of 5 years). This requires a highly detailed Business Plan.
• Accredited Sponsor Privileges: Reserved for established companies (usually Pty Ltd or Ltd) with a strong sponsorship history. Sole Traders are virtually ineligible for this priority status.

In Summary: If your sponsor is a Sole Trader (ABN only), you still have a pathway to a 482 Visa. However, you must ensure they prepare a robust and transparent financial dossier, as the Department will scrutinize their application far more rigorously than that of a Pty Ltd company.

Section 6. A Message from MK Lees Immigration: Protecting Yourself through Information Transparency

Choosing to pursue a 482 Visa is more than just a job change; it is a significant turning point for your family’s future. Therefore, requesting an ABN or ACN from your consultant or employer to conduct your own verification is not a sign of distrust. On the contrary, it is the most responsible action you can take to safeguard your interests, your finances, and your dream of permanent residency.

In reality, the migration market occasionally features enticing but deceptive “ghost offers” from employers who lack sponsorship capacity or do not exist on legal records. Proactively vetting information allows you to eliminate risks from the very first step.

Step 1: Your Right to Request Entity Identification Numbers

A professional and reputable migration firm will always be prepared to provide the ABN/ACN of a sponsoring employer to prove authenticity. If this information is avoided, delayed, or provided vaguely, you must remain vigilant before signing any contract or making any financial commitments.

• Verify Immediately: Access the official government portal at abr.business.gov.au and enter the provided number.
• Red Flag Alert: If the result does not exist or the status is “Cancelled,” all visa promises are void because that entity no longer has the legal standing to sponsor workers.

Assessing Sponsorship Capacity via Business Structure

Use the distinction between ABN and ACN as a “benchmark” for your application’s security:

• Corporate Group (Hold an ACN – Pty Ltd/Ltd): These are independent legal entities regulated strictly by ASIC. Sponsoring through these companies consistently offers higher security; the pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) is typically clearer and more sustainable due to transparent financial reporting systems.
• Individual/Partnership Group (ABN Only – Sole Trader/Partnership): You are essentially wagering your future on a single individual. If your consultant cannot clearly demonstrate this individual’s robust financial capacity (via personal income and assets), proceed with extreme caution. The Department of Home Affairs scrutinizes the operational continuity of small-scale businesses very rigorously.

Conclusion: Be an Informed and Vigilant Applicant

At MK Lees Immigration, we always encourage our clients to research thoroughly and ask the right questions. A secure migration journey does not begin with empty promises, but with verified numbers and legal entities recognized under Australian law.

Section 7: 3-Step Quick Guide for Business Verification (ABN Lookup)

Below is a detailed walkthrough to help you utilize the Australian Government’s online search system to verify the authenticity and operational status of any potential employer.

How to Verify an Entity’s Legal Status in Just 2 Minutes

To determine the exact Entity Type and operational status of your potential sponsor, conduct a quick search on the official Australian Government portal using these simple steps:

Section 8. Case Study: Comparative Analysis – MK Lees Immigration vs. Vote Right

To provide a clear, practical understanding, let’s perform a lookup on two actual ABNs, both owned and operated by Mr. Murray Lees. This comparison highlights the fundamental differences between a Corporate Model (ABN & ACN) and a Sole Trader Model (ABN Only).

Example 1: Corporate Structure – MK Lees Immigration (Pty Ltd)

ABN: 15 692 787 287

👉 Expert Analysis:

• Legal Name (Entity name): Features the “PTY LTD” suffix -> Confirms a Company structure.
• ASIC registration: Displays a 9-digit sequence (the ACN) -> Verifies the entity has an independent legal personality.
• Entity type: Explicitly listed as an Australian Private Company.

✅ Conclusion: This is a standard corporate profile with full legal personality, facilitating a smoother justification process for sponsorship applications.

Example 2: Sole Trader Structure – Vote Right (Sole Trader)

ABN: 51 521 907 769

👉 Analysis of Differences:

• Legal Name: Lacks the “Pty Ltd” suffix. The name appears as the individual’s personal name.
• ASIC registration: MISSING. This proves the entity does not have an ACN.
• Entity type: Explicitly listed as Individual/Sole Trader.

⚠️ Conclusion: This represents an unincorporated business. While it operates lawfully, as analyzed in Section 2, the sponsorship approval process for this model is significantly more complex and requires much more rigorous preparation compared to a Corporate model.

Section 9. Final Thoughts & Expert Assistance

Understanding ABN and ACN, and mastering the business lookup process, is more than just a job-seeking skill—it is your “shield” against unnecessary risks. A safe and successful migration journey to Australia must always begin with a solid legal foundation and a sponsor with proven capacity.

At MK Lees Immigration, we believe that an applicant’s thorough understanding and preparation, combined with professional expertise, are the keys to unlocking a future in the Land Down Under.

Need Further Assistance?

If you have concerns about a potential employer or require an in-depth assessment to evaluate the success rate of your 482 Visa application, let us help you:

👉 Our Commitment:

• The expert team at MK Lees Immigration is dedicated to supporting you at every step of your journey toward the Australian dream.