Legal Representation in Immigration: Understanding Form G-28
Master Form G-28 requirements, eligibility criteria, and filing procedures for immigration representation.
Understanding Your Right to Legal Representation in Immigration Matters
Immigration law presents complex challenges that often require professional guidance to navigate successfully. When individuals decide to work with legal professionals to handle their immigration cases, a critical document comes into play: Form G-28, officially known as the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative. This form serves as the formal authorization that allows qualified legal professionals to represent clients before the Department of Homeland Security and its various agencies. Understanding when this form is necessary, who can file it, and how to complete it properly is essential for anyone seeking legal representation in immigration matters.
The Purpose and Significance of Form G-28
Form G-28 functions as the official gateway for legal representation in immigration cases. When properly filed and signed, this document notifies immigration authorities that a qualified attorney or accredited representative has been engaged to handle an applicant’s immigration matter. Beyond simply announcing the representative’s involvement, Form G-28 establishes the legal framework through which all future communications between the government and the client occur. Once filed, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and other Department of Homeland Security agencies will direct all official notices, decisions, requests for evidence, and correspondence to the designated representative rather than directly to the applicant.
The Future of AI: Preventing a Big Tech Monopoly >
This redirection of communication serves multiple important functions. It ensures that the applicant’s private information and case details are protected and channeled through their authorized legal representative. Additionally, it prevents miscommunications and ensures that deadlines are properly tracked and met through the representative’s office. The form essentially creates a formal attorney-client relationship that immigration authorities recognize and must respect throughout the duration of the case.
Who Qualifies as an Eligible Representative
Not all individuals can file Form G-28 to represent clients in immigration matters. Federal regulations strictly limit who may act as a representative and file this authorization form. Understanding these eligibility requirements is crucial before engaging any legal professional for immigration representation.
Licensed Attorneys
Licensed attorneys constitute the primary group eligible to file Form G-28. These are individuals who have been admitted to practice law in any U.S. jurisdiction, including states, territories, or the District of Columbia. The attorney must be in good standing with their bar association, meaning they do not have active disciplinary restrictions, suspensions, or disbarment orders against them. When completing Form G-28, attorneys must provide their full legal name, the specific jurisdiction where they are licensed, their bar number, and disclose any disciplinary restrictions they may be subject to. This transparency requirement ensures that immigration authorities can verify the attorney’s credentials and standing before accepting the representation authorization.
Accredited Representatives
Beyond attorneys, certain non-attorneys qualify as accredited representatives under immigration law. Accredited representatives are individuals approved by the Board of Immigration Appeals to represent clients in immigration proceedings. These professionals must be employees or volunteers of accredited organizations, which are typically nonprofit religious, charitable, or social service organizations. Accredited representatives must be formally recognized by immigration authorities and must clearly indicate their accreditation status when filing Form G-28. The level of accreditation matters significantly—fully accredited representatives can appear before the Board of Immigration Appeals, immigration courts, and the Department of Homeland Security, while partially accredited representatives can only appear before DHS agencies.
Law Students and Graduates Under Supervision
Federal regulations also recognize law students and recent law graduates as potential representatives, but only under specific conditions. These individuals must work under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney or fully accredited representative. When a law student or graduate represents a client, the supervising attorney or representative must file the Form G-28, though the student or graduate may sign certain portions of the document as part of their participation in the representation.
Who Cannot File Form G-28
Family members, friends, translators, paralegals without accreditation, and other unauthorized individuals cannot file Form G-28 regardless of their relationship to the applicant or their knowledge of the case. Even well-meaning relatives who wish to help with immigration matters are prohibited from using this form to formally represent clients. This restriction ensures that only qualified professionals with proper training, licensing, and accountability handle immigration cases before government agencies.
Critical Situations Requiring Form G-28 Submission
While the general rule is straightforward—Form G-28 is required whenever an applicant has retained an attorney or accredited representative—several specific scenarios make filing this form particularly essential:
Immigration Interview Attendance
When an applicant is scheduled for an official interview with USCIS, such as a green card interview or naturalization hearing, Form G-28 must be filed to authorize the representative to attend the interview on the applicant’s behalf. This allows the attorney or representative to communicate directly with USCIS officials, answer questions, clarify information, and handle documentation during the interview process. Without this authorization, the applicant must appear personally, and the representative cannot have an official role in the proceedings.
Requests for Evidence and Denial Notices
When USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), the applicant’s attorney or representative must have Form G-28 on file to respond officially on the applicant’s behalf. These documents represent critical junctures in the application process, and missing deadlines or failing to provide adequate responses can result in application denial. Having an authorized representative allows for professional handling of these important communications.
Ongoing Case Management
For any immigration application, petition, or removal proceeding where professional representation is desired, Form G-28 serves as the foundation for that representation throughout the entire process. It authorizes the representative to access the applicant’s U.S. immigration file, correspond with government agencies, and manage all aspects of the case.
The Form G-28 Filing Process Explained
Properly completing and filing Form G-28 requires attention to detail and understanding of specific procedural requirements. Following these steps ensures that the form is processed correctly and representation is officially established.
Completing the Form Accurately
The Form G-28 contains several distinct sections, each requiring specific information:
- Part 1: Representative Information — This section requires the attorney or accredited representative to provide their full legal name, complete address, telephone number, email address, and USCIS online account number if available. If the representative is with an accredited organization, that organization’s information must also be included.
- Part 2: Eligibility Information — Here, the representative indicates whether they are an attorney, accredited representative, or law student/graduate under supervision. Attorneys must provide their bar number and jurisdiction of licensure, while accredited representatives must provide their accreditation information.
- Part 3: Notice of Appearance — This section specifies which Department of Homeland Security agency is handling the case (USCIS, ICE, or CBP), the specific immigration matter or form number, and complete information about the client, including name, address, USCIS online account number, and alien registration number if available.
Required Signatures
Form G-28 requires signatures from both parties to be valid. The applicant, petitioner, or respondent must sign the form to confirm they are authorizing the attorney or representative to act on their behalf. Simultaneously, the attorney or accredited representative must sign the form, attesting that they are accepting the representation and will comply with all applicable rules of professional conduct.
Submission Requirements and Timing
The timing of Form G-28 submission is important. Ideally, this form should be submitted together with the main immigration application, petition, or request that it pertains to. For example, if an applicant is submitting a Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status), the G-28 should be included in that same submission. However, if representation is secured after the initial application has been filed, Form G-28 can be submitted separately as soon as possible. When submitting separately, the form should be sent directly to USCIS or through the appropriate online portal, depending on how the original application was filed.
Important Filing Details
Several technical requirements must be met to ensure Form G-28 is accepted:
- All pages of Form G-28 must be from the same edition, with matching edition dates across all pages
- The form must be filed to the same USCIS office handling the underlying case
- For paper filings, Form G-28 should be placed at the top of the application packet, before other supporting documents
- For online filings through USCIS e-filing systems, the form can typically be attached or digitally signed through the representative’s portal
Special Considerations for Different Immigration Scenarios
While Form G-28 serves as the standard representation authorization for most immigration matters involving USCIS, CBP, or ICE, certain situations require alternative forms or have special requirements.
For immigration court proceedings or appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals, Form G-28 is not the appropriate document. Instead, applicants must use Form EOIR-27, which is specific to the Executive Office for Immigration Review. It is essential to verify which form applies to your particular immigration matter before filing, as submitting the incorrect form can delay the establishment of representation.
The Impact of Form G-28 on Your Immigration Case
Filing Form G-28 creates several important changes in how your immigration case is handled. Once this form is accepted and processed by USCIS, all official notices and correspondence shifts from being sent to your address to being sent to your representative’s address. This ensures that deadlines are tracked by your legal representative and that you do not miss critical notifications by accident. Additionally, your representative gains access to your immigration file and can make inquiries on your behalf.
The form also provides an additional layer of professional management to your case. Immigration authorities recognize the representative as an authorized advocate with training and accountability, which can positively influence how communications are handled throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form G-28
Q: Is Form G-28 required if I’m representing myself?
A: No, Form G-28 is only necessary if you have hired an attorney or accredited representative to represent you. If you are handling your immigration matter independently, this form does not need to be filed.
Q: Can I file Form G-28 after my application has already been submitted?
A: Yes, Form G-28 can be submitted after your application or petition has been filed. However, it should be submitted as soon as possible so that your representative can begin receiving official notices from USCIS immediately. Submit it directly to USCIS using the appropriate method for your case type.
Q: What happens if my attorney withdraws from my case?
A: If your representative withdraws from your case, they must file a Form G-28 withdrawal notice. After that withdrawal is processed, you will once again receive official communications directly from USCIS unless you file a new G-28 with a different representative.
Q: Must the representative have experience in immigration law?
A: While any licensed attorney can technically file Form G-28, immigration law is complex and specialized. It is strongly recommended that you choose an attorney who specializes in immigration law and has demonstrated experience with cases similar to yours.
Q: What information must be included about my alien registration number?
A: Your attorney should include your A-number (alien registration number) on Form G-28 if you have already been assigned one. This number helps USCIS link the representation authorization to your existing file. If you have not been assigned an A-number yet, leave this field blank.
Q: How does filing Form G-28 affect my privacy?
A: Filing Form G-28 actually enhances your privacy protections. It directs all official correspondence and case information to your authorized representative rather than being sent directly to you, and it ensures that only qualified, vetted professionals access your sensitive immigration information.
References
- Form G-28, Explained — Boundless. Accessed January 2026. https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/form-g-28-explained
- Form G-28 Guide — Papagikos Law. Accessed January 2026. https://papagikoslaw.com/form-g-28-guide/
- What is Form G-28: Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative — Clio. Accessed January 2026. https://www.clio.com/forms/form-g28/
- Form G-28 Guide: Legal Representation Explained 2026 — Lighthouse HQ. Updated January 2026. https://www.lighthousehq.com/blog/form-g-28
- Form G-28: Ensuring Legal Representation in Immigration Cases — LawSB. Accessed January 2026. https://www.lawsb.com/form-g-28/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
