What Is Form G-28?
Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative) is the form that authorizes an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative to act on your behalf before USCIS, the immigration court (EOIR), or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). It is essentially a power of attorney for immigration purposes — without a filed G-28, USCIS will not communicate with your attorney about your case.
When Is Form G-28 Required?
A G-28 must be filed whenever an attorney or accredited representative represents you in any immigration matter including any USCIS application or petition (I-485, I-130, I-140, N-400, etc.), immigration court proceedings (removal hearings, bond hearings), appeals to the BIA or AAO, and responses to USCIS requests for evidence (RFEs) or notices of intent to deny (NOIDs). A separate G-28 must be filed for each case or application. If your attorney handles both your I-140 and your I-485, they need a G-28 filed with each.
Who Files the G-28?
The G-28 is signed by both the attorney/representative AND the client. The attorney typically prepares and files it, but the client must sign it to authorize representation. For employer-sponsored petitions (H-1B, L-1, I-140), the employer (petitioner) signs Part 2 and the beneficiary (foreign national) may also sign Part 3 if they want the attorney to represent them individually as well.
How to Complete Form G-28
| Section | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | Attorney or representative information: name, bar number, law firm, address, phone, email, USCIS online account number (if applicable) |
| Part 2 | Petitioner/applicant information: name, A-number (if any), date of birth, address, phone, and signature authorizing representation |
| Part 3 | Signature of attorney — certifying they are licensed and eligible to represent the client |
| Part 4 | Contact information for any other authorized representative on the case |
Filing Fee
Form G-28 has no filing fee. It is submitted as a cover sheet with your underlying application or petition. It can also be filed standalone to enter an appearance on a pending case.
G-28 vs G-28I
Form G-28 is for representation before USCIS. Form G-28I is for representation before the Immigration Court (EOIR) and the BIA. If your case involves both USCIS and immigration court (for example, an adjustment of status filed during removal proceedings), your attorney may need to file both forms with their respective agencies.
Common Mistakes
Missing signatures (both client AND attorney must sign), not filing a new G-28 when changing attorneys (the old attorney remains on file until a new G-28 is submitted), filing a G-28 for a form that was submitted before the G-28 (USCIS may not link them — submit G-28 with the form, not separately), using an expired bar license number, and not updating the G-28 when the attorney changes firms or contact information.
Revoking Representation
If you want to fire your attorney and represent yourself (or hire a new attorney), you can revoke the G-28 by filing a letter with USCIS or the immigration court stating that you are revoking the prior G-28. A new attorney can also file a new G-28 which automatically supersedes the prior one. Once revoked, USCIS will no longer communicate with the former attorney about your case.
Important for employers: If your company sponsors employees for H-1B, L-1, or green cards, you need a G-28 for each individual petition. The petitioner (employer) signs Part 2, and the beneficiary (employee) signs if they also want individual representation. Many employers use a single law firm for all petitions but must still file separate G-28s for each employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for Form G-28?
No. Form G-28 has no filing fee. It is submitted free of charge with your immigration application or petition.
Do I need a new G-28 for every form I file?
Yes. A separate G-28 should be filed with each USCIS application or petition. If your attorney handles your I-140 and I-485, they need a G-28 filed with each.
Can I fire my immigration attorney?
Yes. You can revoke your G-28 at any time by notifying USCIS in writing. You can then hire a new attorney (who will file a new G-28) or represent yourself.