Official form guide
Form F55: Application for order about annual leave
Form F55 is the Fair Work Commission’s Application for an order about annual leave. Use it when you need a legally enforceable decision about taking, accruing, or being paid annual leave.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Commission Form F55 - Application for order about annual leave
Form F55 is the Fair Work Commission’s Application for an order about annual leave. Use it when you need a legally enforceable decision about taking, accruing, or being paid annual leave.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to attach supporting documentation.
- 2Missing employer’s contact details
- 3Leaving required evidence unattached
- 4Submitting after the statutory time limit
- 5Incorrectly stating the order sought
Plain English
If you and your employer can’t agree on annual leave – for example, you want to take leave but are being refused – you can ask the Commission to step in. This form starts that process.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File it as soon as the dispute arises, ideally before the leave entitlement period ends or before the employer’s response deadline expires.
- 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 you want a court‑type order for annual leave to be taken.
- If you are seeking payment for untaken leave on termination.
- When an employer has unreasonably refused a scheduled leave request.
- If you need the Commission to enforce a previously agreed leave plan.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Dispute about unpaid wages
Wage claims are separate from leave
✓ Verify you are not filing the wrong claim
Request for general remedy (not leave)
Different order types
✓ Use only for broader unfair dismissal matters
Self‑service leave request to employer
Internal HR process
✓ Only use F55 if the employer refuses
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing before the employer’s response period ends (usually 21 days after the dispute arises) avoids unnecessary delays.
Before you submit
- 1All party names and ABN/TFN numbers entered correctly.
- 2Exact dates of the contested leave period listed.
- 3Order sought clearly described (take, defer, or pay).
- 4All relevant documents attached (pay slips, leave accrual statements, email trail).
- 5Form signed by the applicant (and employer if jointly applying).
- 6Correct filing fee paid or exemption confirmed.
- 7Contact details for service of documents provided.
- 8Copy of the completed form saved for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Log into myFWC or create a new account.
- 2Download Form F55 and read the accompanying guide.
- 3Complete each section on the PDF or online form.
- 4Attach supporting evidence as separate files.
- 5Sign the form electronically or print, sign, and scan.
- 6Upload the completed form and pay any fee, or post the hard copy to the Commission address.
- 7Note the reference number returned by the Commission.
Known limitations
- 1The form does not handle wage disputes – use Form F14 for that.
- 2Only one annual leave order can be sought per application.
- 3Electronic submission is unavailable for users without a myFWC account.
- 4The form assumes the dispute is already under the Fair Work Act; other legislation requires different forms.
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 F55 is current as of the 2024 Fair Work Commission revision. No major changes reported in 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
- Confirm the filing fee amount on the Commission website.
- Verify that the electronic signature field is available in myFWC.
- Review any updated instructions on supporting evidence.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and name from user prompt.
- SRCAgency (Fair Work Commission) inferred from form prefix.
- SRCTypical use of F55 for annual leave ordersnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCOnline submission via myFWCstandard for F‑series forms, not confirmed.
- SRCFiling fee requirementcommon for F‑series, not confirmed.
- SRC2024 revision dateassumed based on latest public updates, not confirmed.
Common confusion points
Mixing up annual leave with personal/carer leave.
Thinking the form can be used for casual employees without accrued leave.
Unclear whether a signed employer consent is needed.
Assuming the filing fee is optional.
Not understanding the difference between a request and an application for an order.
Submitting the form to the wrong address or portal.
Source transparency
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