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OPM Form 71 – Request for Leave or Approved Absence (Fillable PDF)

  1. Language English
  2. Country USA
  3. Department Office of Personnel Management
  4. Sector OPM Forms
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OPM Form 71 – Request for Leave or Approved Absence (Fillable PDF)

Federal employees need a reliable, official way to request vacation, sick leave, or any approved absence. OPM Form 71Request for Leave or Approved Absence – is the standard application form used across U.S. government agencies. With Formize’s fillable PDF technology, you can complete this form directly in your browser, save time, and ensure every required field is correctly filled.

What Is OPM Form 71?

OPM Form 71 is published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It is used to request various types of leave, including vacation, annual leave, sick leave, and other approved absences. The form captures essential details such as employee information, type of leave, dates, and supervisor approval.

How to Fill Out the Leave Request Form Online

Instead of printing, scanning, or manually editing the PDF, simply click the "Fill out this form" button on this page. The Formize PDF Filler will load in seconds, allowing you to type directly into each field, add digital signatures, and save a copy for your records.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving required fields blank – the filler highlights missing information before you can submit.
  • Incorrect dates – double‑check the start and end dates; the form will warn you of overlapping periods.
  • Wrong leave type code – refer to your agency’s leave policy to select the correct code (e.g., V for vacation, S for sick).

Where to Submit Your Completed Form

After completing the form, download the PDF and forward it to your supervisor or HR office according to your agency’s procedures. Many agencies also accept electronic submissions via email or a dedicated HR portal.

Need a printable copy? The Formize app lets you download a fully‑filled PDF that looks exactly like the original OPM document.

FAQ
  • Is OPM Form 71 the same as a vacation request?

    Yes. OPM Form 71 covers vacation, annual leave, sick leave, and other approved absences for federal employees.

  • Can I save my progress and return later?

    The Formize filler lets you download a partially completed PDF at any time, so you can finish it later.

  • Do I need special software to fill the PDF?

    No. The form is fully fillable in any modern web browser via the Formize PDF Filler—no Adobe Acrobat required.

  • What if I make a mistake after submitting?

    Contact your supervisor or HR office immediately. You can download a corrected version of the form, make the changes, and resubmit.

  • Is the filled PDF legally binding?

    When signed digitally and submitted according to agency policy, the completed OPM Form 71 is considered an official request.

HOW TO

How to fill out OPM Form 71 for free, online in 4 easy steps:

  1. 1
    Open the Fillable Form
    Click the "Fill out this form" button on the page. The Formize PDF Filler app will load instantly in your browser.
  2. 2
    Enter Your Information
    Type directly into each highlighted field—personal details, leave dates, type of leave, and supervisor comments.
  3. 3
    Review and Sign
    Use the built‑in digital signature tool to add your signature, then review the entire document for completeness.
  4. 4
    Download or Submit
    Save the completed PDF to your computer, print it, or email it to your HR department as required.
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ABOUT

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Forms

OPM Form 71 is one of the official forms that are used by the United States Office of Personnel Management, which is an independent agency of the federal government responsible for managing the civil service workforce and federal employee benefits. The OPM establishes policies and regulations related to federal employment, administers various personnel programs, and provides services to federal employees, retirees, and job applicants.

Here are some examples of Office of Personnel Management forms:

Standard Form 86 (SF-86): This form is used for the background investigation process for individuals applying for a security clearance. It collects comprehensive personal, employment, education, and financial information, as well as details about foreign contacts and activities.

Standard Form 2809 (SF-2809): This form is used to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which provides health insurance coverage to federal employees, retirees, and their eligible family members.

Standard Form 2817 (SF-2817): This form is used to apply for continuation of coverage under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) after retirement or separation from federal service.

Standard Form 3107 (SF-3107): This form is used to apply for retirement benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).

Standard Form 2801 (SF-2801): This form is used to apply for retirement benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Standard Form 15 (SF-15): This form is used to apply for veteran's preference in federal employment. It is submitted by veterans or their eligible family members seeking employment opportunities in the federal government.

These examples represent some common OPM forms used in the context of federal employment and employee benefits. However, the OPM has a range of other forms related to various personnel programs, retirement, insurance, and other aspects of federal employment. The specific forms required may vary depending on the nature of the transaction, program, or benefit being sought. It's advisable to consult the official website of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (www.opm.gov) or seek guidance from the OPM or relevant human resources personnel to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific OPM forms relevant to your federal employment or benefits-related needs.

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