What is Form G-28? A Guide to Filing
- Form G-28 notifies the Department of Homeland Security that you have an immigration attorney or an accredited representative.
- Without filing Form G-28, USCIS and other immigration agencies won’t communicate with your legal representation. It will only communicate directly with you.
- Form G-28 is usually filed by your representative and along with the rest of your petition or application.
- Always make sure to sign a G-28. Missing signatures or errors can lead to issues and delays.
One part of working with an immigration attorney or an accredited representative of a non-profit is filing Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative. This document plays a key role in how your legal representative communicates with U.S. immigration agencies on your behalf. Without filing a G-28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other agencies will not communicate with your attorney, even if you’ve hired them.
What is Form G-28?
Form G-28 is used to notify U.S. immigration agencies that you are authorizing an attorney or accredited representative to act on your behalf. An accredited rep is a person at a nonprofit or legal aid organization who is authorized by the Department of Justice to provide immigration services to clients. Generally, if your representative is submitting an immigration application, they will submit Form G-28 with your petition.
When you file Form G-28 with an application or petition, you are formally telling the U.S. government that:
- You have legal representation.
- Your representative can receive information about your case.
- Your rep can communicate with the government on your behalf.
Without a properly filed G-28, immigration authorities—including those working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), USCIS, CBP, and ICE—will not share case details with your attorney. Only you will receive direct updates on your case.
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Who should use Form G-28?
If you have legal representation, you generally need to sign a G-28 form, but your attorney or representative can file it, usually along with the rest of your application. G-28 needs to be filed with every separate application or appeal.
Types of cases for which you can use G-28:
- Individuals applying for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas, Green Cards, or citizenship
- Employers sponsoring foreign workers
- Anyone involved in an immigration proceeding where legal representation is needed
You can use Form G-28 if you’re working with one of the following:
- An immigration attorney licensed in the U.S. (foreign attorneys use Form G-28I)
- An accredited representative who works for a DOJ-recognized organization, generally a nonprofit immigration legal aid organization
You cannot file G-28 as a family member or friend. Interpreters and other non-lawyer preparers also don’t need a G-28.
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When is Form G-28 required?
Form G-28 is required whenever an attorney or accredited representative intends to speak or work on your behalf before immigration authorities. It’s likely also necessary if they have advised you on how to complete your immigration paperwork.
Common situations that use Form G-28 include:
- Filing immigration petitions or applications with USCIS
- Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- Attending a visa or Green Card interview
- Attending biometrics appointments with you
- Communicating with immigration agencies about your case
- Receiving immigration documents from USCIS on behalf of the client
What Form G-28 allows your attorney to do
By signing Form G-28, you authorize your legal representative to:
- Receive official notices and correspondence about your case, such as RFEs and approval notices.
- Communicate directly with immigration agencies on your behalf.
- Submit documents and respond to government requests.
- Represent you in proceedings before USCIS or other immigration authorities.
What Form G-28 doesn’t allow your attorney to do
Form G-28 does not give your attorney unlimited control over your case. You are still the primary applicant, so your attorney can generally act only with your approval and with your best interests in mind. The attorney agreement you sign will also dictate the scope of what they can do for you.
What information is included on Form G-28?
Form G-28 collects key details about both you, as the applicant or client, and your representative:
- Your name, contact information, mailing address, and A-Number
- Your representative’s name, law firm, and contact details
- Eligibility or credentials of the attorney or accredited representative
- Signature of both you (the client) and the representative
Accurate information is critical. Missing signatures or other errors can cause delays or result in rejection. If your legal help is not accredited or licensed, it can even result in a fraud investigation.
How to file Form G-28
Filing by mail
If you are submitting a physical immigration application by mail, print Form G-28 and include it in the same packet. Your attorney should place the G-28 as the first page of the packet.
Filing online
For many applications filed online, attorneys can submit Form G-28 electronically through the USCIS online system. Your attorney will usually prepare and submit the form for you, but you will need to review and sign it.
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Why is Form G-28 important?
Form G-28 isn’t a pointless administrative form. It can be a critical document for your immigration path. It can streamline communication, reduce errors, and avoid delays because your attorney can easily track updates, notices, and deadlines. Without a properly filed Form G-28, your attorney cannot effectively manage your case.
Can you change or withdraw a Form G-28?
If you decide to change attorneys or no longer want representation, you can file a new Form G-28 with a different attorney or notify USCIS in a letter that you are withdrawing your current representative. It’s critical to keep your representation status up to date to avoid confusion, missed communications, and delays.
File your Form G-28 with confidence
Form G-28 is a simple but essential part of working with an immigration attorney. It ensures your representative can advocate for you, receive important updates, and help guide you through the immigration process. If you’re unsure whether you need legal help for your situation, the experienced professionals at Manifest Law can explain your options and handle representation if you need it.
Request a consultation today to move your case forward with confidence.
FAQs about Form G-28
Is Form G-28 required for every immigration case?
No. Form G-28 is only required if you have an attorney or accredited representative. If you are handling your case on your own, you do not file it.
Can I file Form G-28 myself?
You typically don’t need to file Form G-28 yourself. Your attorney or accredited representative will likely submit it as part of your application or petition. However, you should ask your attorney exactly who will file it so that you’re both on the same page.
Does Form G-28 give my attorney full control over my case?
No. Form G-28 allows your attorney to represent you and communicate with immigration authorities, but you remain responsible for your case and decisions. It is also possible to withdraw your form or change attorneys.
What happens if Form G-28 is missing or incorrect?
If Form G-28 is missing, incomplete, unsigned, or contains errors, immigration agencies may reject it or refuse to communicate with your attorney. This can lead to missed deadlines or delays in your case.
