How we process Fair Work entry permit applications

We aim to issue entry permits within 4 weeks of receiving the application.

Step 1: After we receive an application (Form F42 – Application for an entry permit), we send the committee of management member an email. In it, we ask them to fill out Form 42C.

Step 2: The committee of management member will ask the permit holder to:

1. sign Form F42C
2. provide a recent photograph to include on the final permit.

The photo of the proposed permit holder must meet certain standards, similar to a passport photo:

1. The photograph must be less than 12 months old.
2. The photograph must:
   • show the proposed permit holder facing the camera with their head straight, not tilted
   • show only their head and shoulders
   • show them with their eyes open and a neutral expression on their face
   • show them in front of a plain, light-coloured background
   • be in colour and in sharp focus
   • be well lit with no shadows and a strong contrast between their face and the background.
3. In the photograph the proposed permit holder can:
   • wear glasses if they normally wear them
   • cover their hair if they do so for religious or medical reasons.
4. If the photo is printed it must:
   • show the proposed permit holders face measuring 32 to 36 mm from bottom of chin to top of head
   • be 45 to 50 mm high
   • be 35 to 40 mm wide
   • be printed on high-quality photo paper, at high resolution.
5. If the photo is digital it must be:
   • in jpg format
   • at least 406 x 521 pixels
   • less than 5 MB in size.

Step 3: The committee of management member sends us Form F42C and the proposed permit holders photograph. These can be sent by email or to any of our Commission offices.

Step 4: The proposed permit holder obtains a Digital iD from Australia Post.

Step 5: We invite the permit holder to a video call (note: we record the call). During the call we use the Digital iD to check and confirm their identity.

Step 6: We complete our assessment of whether the proposed permit holder is a fit and proper person to hold an entry permit.

Step 7: We issue the entry permit. We post it to ther union’s registered address unless we are asked to send it to another address.

It takes us about 4 weeks to process an application for an entry permit.

Under section 516(2) of the Fair Work Act, we may decide to extend a current permit while we finalise an application.

It takes longer to process an application if we need to contact you for more information. The union's committee of management member should ensure:

• all the paperwork is correct
• both declarations are accurate and complete
• they have made ‘proper inquiries’ about you being a fit and proper person to hold an entry permit
• they have evidence your entry permit training is current.