Filing a Form G-28: Complete Guide
Form G-28 authorizes an immigration attorney or accredited representative to act on your behalf with USCIS. It’s essential for legal representation, ensuring your rep can receive updates and communicate directly with immigration authorities.
By:
Chelsea Spinos
Reviewer:
Nicole Gunara
8 min read • April 22, 2025
Key takeaways
Form G-28 gives your lawyer permission to represent you by letting the government know they can speak and act on your behalf in your immigration case.
You need to file Form G-28 if you're working with a layer or legal rep, because without it, immigration authorities won’t communicate with them—even if you’ve already hired them.
The G-28 form should be submitted with your immigration application, either by placing it on top of a paper packet or uploading it during the online application process.
There's no fee to file Form G-28, and you can change your representative anytime by submitting a new form or having your current representative withdraw.
When you’re navigating the U.S. immigration system, having an attorney or qualified legal representative can make all the difference. However, the government won’t recognize your representative—or communicate with them—unless you’ve formally authorized that relationship. That’s exactly what Form G-28 is for.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about Form G-28—what it is, why it matters, who needs it, how to file it properly, and which supporting documents may be necessary.
The Form G-28, officially known as the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, is a legal document used to inform U.S. immigration authorities that you’ve chosen someone to represent you. This representative could be an immigration attorney or an accredited representative from a nonprofit.
Filing the G-28 form ensures that your lawyer or accredited representative:
Can speak to the government on your behalf
Can receive updates and notices regarding your immigration case
Can submit legal arguments, evidence, and filings for you
Immigration: Without a valid Form G-28, immigration agencies will not communicate with your lawyer or legal rep—even if you’ve already hired them.
Purpose of G28
Authorizes legal representation
Direct government communication
Protects your privacy
Required for immigration representation
Why It’s Important
Gives your lawyer or accredited rep the ability to work on your case officially
Ensures that correspondence—like interview appointments, RFEs, and decisions—goes to your representative directly
USCIS or related immigration agencies won’t speak to anyone not listed on this form
Many USCIS functions require a valid G28 for legal representation to be accepted
Situation
You hired a licensed immigration lawyer
You’re applying on your own
A friend is helping translate or type your forms
You’re working with a DOJ-accredited rep at a nonprofit
G28 Required?
✅ Yes
❌ No
❌ No
✅ Yes
Immigration: Submitting a Form G-28 listing someone who is not qualified to represent you can result in delays, case denial, or even fraud investigation.
Can I have multiple attorneys listed on one Form G-28?
No, Form G28 only allows you to name one individual representative. If you’re working with a law firm, they may internally share your case, but only one named attorney or accredited representative can be listed and officially recognized.
Can I change my attorney or representative after filing a Form G-28?
Yes, you can submit a new Form G28 with your new representative, which automatically replaces the previous one. Your former attorney can also file a withdrawal notice to formally end their representation.
Can I withdraw a Form G-28 if I no longer want to be represented?
Yes, you can notify the agency in writing that you’re ending the representation, or you can file a new Form G28 with a different representative. Your attorney also has the right to file a notice of withdrawal if they’re no longer representing you.
Do I need to pay a fee to file Form G-28?
No, there is no filing fee for Form G28. It’s a free form used to authorize representation, and it must be submitted together with your application or immigration request.
Can I use Form G28 if I'm asking for help with a USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE)?
Yes, if you receive an RFE and decide to hire an attorney afterward, they can submit a Form G28 along with your RFE response. This ensures they are properly authorized to communicate with USCIS and submit the response on your behalf.
Do I need to file a new Form G-28 if I’m applying for a renewal of a work permit?
Yes, even if you used the same attorney or representative before, a new Form G28 must be submitted with every new application, including renewals or extensions.
