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Applying for a second Australian passport, also known as a 'concurrent' passport, can be done by completing a B15 Concurrent passport form and lodging it with your initial passport application. This second passport is valid for up to three years and is useful if you need to travel for business while waiting for your first passport to be processed. The application process can be started online or at a participating Australia Post outlet, and you will need to provide two passport-sized photos, original documents, and details of a referee or guarantor. The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid when lodging your application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of second passport | Concurrent passport |
| Validity | Up to three years |
| Cost | Same as standard ten-year passports |
| Application form | B15 Concurrent passport form |
| Additional requirements | Cover letter from employer and completed Section B of B15 form |
| Application fee | Non-refundable |
| Processing time | Minimum of 6 weeks |
| Passport delivery | Within 5 business days via post |
| Passport renewal | Possible online or by mail |
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What You'll Learn
Filling out the B15 Concurrent passport form
To apply for a second Australian passport, you will need to complete a B15 Concurrent passport form and lodge it with your passport application. This form can be found on the Australian Passport Office website.
- Download the form: Visit the Australian Passport Office website to download the B15 Concurrent passport form. The form is available in PDF format and can be filled out online or printed and completed by hand.
- Personal Information: Provide your full name, date of birth, place of birth, and other requested personal details. Ensure that the information is consistent with the information on your primary passport and other official documents.
- Reason for Application: Clearly state the reason why you require a concurrent passport. Common reasons include visa waiting times causing significant travel delays, a destination country not accepting a passport with evidence of travel to a third country, or other valid reasons for needing an additional passport.
- Employment Details: If your application for a concurrent passport is related to business travel, you will need to include a cover letter from your employer. They will also need to complete Section B of the B15 form.
- Supporting Documentation: Gather all the necessary supporting documents, including your current passport, two passport-sized photographs, and any other relevant paperwork. Ensure that you meet the requirements for passport photos, as outlined by the Australian Passport Office guidelines.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review your completed form for any inaccuracies or missing information. Once you are satisfied, submit the form along with your passport application and supporting documents to the Australian Passport Office.
Please note that the issuance of a concurrent passport is not a guarantee and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The normal application fee applies, and it is generally non-refundable if your application is not approved.
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Providing a cover letter from your employer
If you need a second passport for business-related travel, you must provide a cover letter from your employer. This is a crucial part of your application, as it can determine whether your request is approved or denied. Here are some essential points to consider when providing a cover letter from your employer for your second Australian passport application:
Content and Format:
The cover letter should be addressed to the relevant authority, such as the Australian consulate or the Visa Officer at the Australian High Commission. It should include your personal information, such as your full name, address, contact details, and passport number. Additionally, mention your job title, employer, and how long you have been employed.
Purpose of the Second Passport:
Clearly state the reason for requesting a second passport. For example, explain that you need to travel to various countries while applying for visas and, therefore, require a second passport to use during the processing of your primary passport. List at least six countries that you will be visiting and require visas for, such as India, China, Russia, Nigeria, or Saudi Arabia.
Confirmation of Return:
It is important to confirm that you will be returning to your home country or resuming employment after your trips. This reinforces your ties to your home country and demonstrates your intention to return.
Itinerary and Travel Plans:
Include details about your travel plans, such as the dates of your trips, intended length of stay, and any relevant reservations or itineraries. This provides context for your need for a second passport and helps the authorities understand your travel intentions.
Financial Stability:
Provide information about your financial situation and ability to support your trips. This can include mentioning your salary, attaching bank statements, or including other financial documents.
Employer's Contact Information:
The cover letter should include the employer's contact information, such as their phone number or email address, in case the passport office has any queries regarding the application or your employment.
Remember, the cover letter should be concise, clear, and easy to understand. Avoid using complex language or lengthy sentences. Focus on providing relevant information that justifies your need for a second passport and demonstrates your strong ties to your home country.
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Getting passport photos
You can have someone take a picture of you at home on your smartphone or a high-quality digital camera. There are online services that will size and print the image, then mail the photos to you anywhere in the US. If you choose to use this method, ensure the person taking the photo holds the phone horizontally and is at least 1.5 metres away from you. The background should be plain and light-coloured, with no texture on the wall behind you.
If you are in the US, you can also have your passport photos taken by a photographer. The Australian government recommends checking that your photographer can produce glossy prints at the highest resolution, has a dye sublimation printer, and has studio lighting to ensure there are no shadows behind your head or ears, and that the lighting across your face is even. Avoid using highlighters or cosmetics that cause shine on the face.
It is important to note that the Australian government does not accept photos taken at certain locations, such as Walgreens, CVS, or RiteAid, as their lighting and print quality do not meet the requirements. If you choose to use a photographer, be sure to review the photo requirements and camera operator guidelines provided by the Australian government.
Once you have your passport photos, you will need to lodge your application at a participating Australia Post outlet. You can also apply online and have your passport photo endorsed by a guarantor who must sign the back of the photo.
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Paying the fee
When applying for a second Australian passport, or what is officially known as a 'concurrent' passport, you will need to complete a B15 Concurrent passport form and lodge it with your passport application. If the second passport is for business-related travel, you will also need to provide a cover letter from your employer, who must complete Section B of the B15 form.
The concurrent passport fee is the same as the standard ten-year passport fee, but as the second passport is only valid for up to three years, the concurrent passport is not pro-rated. This means that you will be paying the same fee as a standard passport, but it will only be valid for a third of the time. The fee is a non-refundable administration fee.
You can pay the fee by cash, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, or EFTPOS at a participating Australia Post outlet. You can book an appointment at your nearest post office to lodge your passport and pay the fee. If your local post office accepts walk-ins, you may not need to book an appointment.
If you are applying for a second passport from overseas, you will need to lodge your application in person at a passport office and pay the fee there.
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Processing times
The Australian Passport Office recommends allowing a minimum of six weeks to receive your passport after lodging your application. If you need your passport sooner, you can apply for an urgent application, which has an additional cost. You can also choose to collect your passport from the office or have it delivered to you by post, which should arrive within five business days.
To apply for a second, or concurrent, passport, you need to complete a B15 Concurrent Passport form and lodge it with your passport application. If the second passport is for business-related travel, you will also need to provide a cover letter from your employer, and they must complete Section B of the B15 form.
The Australian Passport Office will send you an email or SMS when your passport is ready for collection or has been dispatched.
If your passport has been lost or damaged, you may be eligible for a free replacement. You will need to provide information to confirm your identity and that you were in the affected area.
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Frequently asked questions
To apply for a second Australian passport, also called a concurrent passport, you need to complete a B15 Concurrent passport form and lodge it with your initial passport application.
A concurrent passport costs the same as a standard ten-year passport but is only valid for up to three years. If the second passport is for business-related travel, you will need to provide a cover letter from your employer, and they must complete Section B of the B15 form.
You can apply for an Australian passport online or at a participating Australia Post outlet. You will need to provide two passport-sized photos, the original documents requested on the application checklist, and, unless you qualify for a passport renewal, you'll need a referee or guarantor.
You should allow a minimum of 6 weeks to receive your passport after lodging your application. If you choose to receive your passport by post, it should arrive within 5 business days.
