Official form guide
Form F18: Application for transferable instrument
Form F18 is the Fair Work Commission’s Application for Transferable Instrument. Use it when you want to move an existing award, agreement or other instrument to a new employer or entity.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F18 - Application for transferable instrument
Form F18 is the Fair Work Commission’s Application for Transferable Instrument. Use it when you want to move an existing award, agreement or other instrument to a new employer or entity.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to attach proof of the ownership change.
- 2Leaving ABN or entity name blank
- 3Attaching the wrong supporting document
- 4Submitting after the new entity has already employed staff
- 5Using an outdated version of the form
Plain English
If your business has bought another company or you’re changing the legal owner of a workplace, you need to tell the Commission and ask for the instrument to be transferred. This form starts that request.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit the form as soon as the ownership change is finalised, before the new entity starts employing staff under the instrument.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When an award needs to be transferred to a new employer
- When an enterprise agreement is being inherited after a business sale
- When a trust or partnership takes over a workplace covered by a federal instrument
- When the original instrument holder ceases to exist as a legal entity
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Business sale without instrument transfer
Only needed if you want the award to move with the business
✓ Verify if the new employer can simply adopt the award
Changing only the name of the employer
No instrument movement required
✓ Use F20 instead of F18
Creating a new award
Not a transfer, but a fresh award
✓ Submit F21, not F18
Deadline or filing window
File the application before the new entity commences work under the instrument; otherwise you may be deemed non‑compliant.
Before you submit
- 1All fields completed, no blanks
- 2ABN and entity name match official records
- 3Correct instrument reference (award/agreement number)
- 4Proof of ownership change attached
- 5Signature and date provided
- 6Form version is the latest (check revision date)
- 7Cover letter includes contact details
- 8Copy of the form saved for your records
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form F18 from the Fair Work Commission website
- 2Gather supporting documents (sale contract, deed, etc.)
- 3Complete the form in black ink or electronically
- 4Attach the supporting documents
- 5Sign and date the declaration
- 6Upload via myFWO portal or post to the Commission
- 7Record the submission reference or postal receipt
Known limitations
- 1Only applies to federal instruments, not state awards
- 2Cannot be used to create a new instrument
- 3Requires the new entity to be an Australian Business Number holder
- 4Electronic upload may be unavailable during system maintenance
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form F18 is the current version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the latest revision date
- Confirm the ABN field format matches the current standard
- Verify that the list of acceptable supporting documents is up‑to‑date
- Ensure the signature block includes the required declaration language
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and title inferred from provided data
- SRCPurpose of transfer inferred from typical Fair Work Commission processes
- SRCSubmission methods based on standard FWC online portal and postal options
- SRCDeadline guidance inferred from general compliance practice
- SRCNot confirmed in official source for specific supporting document list
- SRCNot confirmed in official source for exact version date
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form F18 with Form F20 (change of employer details)
Assuming a transfer is automatic without filing
Using an old PDF version that lacks the latest fields
Submitting the form after staff have already started under the new entity
Leaving out the required proof of ownership change
Not signing the declaration block
Uploading to the wrong portal section
Source transparency
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