For a handy guide to all the requirements you have to meet to make an unfair dismissal application, see Checklist: Making an unfair dismissal application.

Step 1: Get a copy of the fo​​rm(s)

You will need one form:

• Form F2 - Unfair Dismissal Application

If you cannot afford the application fee, it is possible to apply to waive (cancel) the fee. In this case you will need a second form:

• Application - Waiver of application fee

You can get copies of forms from:

• the Fair Work Commission ​office in your capital city
• the Fair Work​ Commission website or
• the Fair Work Commission Help Line on 1300 799 675.

You can complete the form on a computer (by downloading a Word file and typing in the spaces provided) or you can print it out and complete it neatly in blue or black pen. The form should be printed on A4 sized paper.

You will need to include:

• the name and contact details of your employer
• the dates you were employed
• the reasons your employer gave for why you were dismissed (if you were given reasons)
• why you think the dismissal was unfair
• whether you need an interpreter.

If you need more space for your answer you can attach extra pages.

The form also includes space to give your credit card details if you want to pay the application fee by credit card.

You will need to print and sign the form.

Instructions: Instructions for filling out a Form F2 - Unfair Dismissal Application

Sample: Unfair Dismissal Application

  Make sure you keep a copy of the form for your records.

​​Step 3: File ​the form and pay the application fee

You can lodge the form:​

• by post - to the Fair Work Commission office in your capital city. Addresses can be found on the Fair Work Commissio​n website
• by email - email addresses can be found on the Fair Work Commission website
• using eFiling - using a web form on the Commission website
• in person at the Fair Work Commissio​n office in your capital city
• by facsimile - facsimile numbers can be found on the Fair Work Commission ​website​
• over the telephone - if you are very close to the 21 day time limit you can make an application over the telephone. For more information on this see Making an unfair dismissal application.

The application fee is $77.80 (as at 1 July 2022). You can pay the filing fee by:

• credit card (Visa and Mastercard)
• EFTPOS (only for payments made in person at the Commission)
• cheque
• cash (only for payments made in person at the Commission)
• money order.

All cheques and Money Orders must be made payable to 'The Collector of Public Monies'.

If you are applying by facsimile you must usually pay by credit card. If you do not have a credit card you should contact the Commission to find out if they will still accept a faxed application and allow you to pay in some other way.

If you are lodging the form by eFiling or email, do not fill in credit card details on the form. You must use the eFiling system to pay by credit card.

If you cannot pay the fee, you can apply for the Commission to waive (cancel) the fee. To apply for the waiver you will need to fill in the form Application - Waiver of application fee and file it with your application form. You will have to give details of your finances on the waiver form. If the Commission approves your waiver application, you will not need to pay the application fee.

After you file your application the Commission will arrange a conciliation. The Commission will send a notice of listing to you and your employer telling you the date and time of the conciliation. You should start preparing for the conciliation.

For more information, see Conciliation.

The Commission will also ask your employer to fill out a form responding to your application. Your employer should send a copy of this form to you.

For more information, see Your employer's response to your application.

For answers to commonly asked questions, see Going to the Fair Work Commission - Frequently Asked Questions​. ​