Form G-28 officially known as the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative is one of the most important and often overlooked forms in the U.S. immigration process. When you begin applying for a green card, work permit, or visa, this form ensures that your immigration lawyer is officially recognized by the government. By filing Form G-28, your attorney is granted permission to communicate with immigration agencies like USCIS, CBP, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on your behalf, keeping your case organized and your information protected.
While it might seem like a small document compared to the main forms in your application, the G-28 plays a crucial role in protecting your privacy and ensuring smooth communication between your immigration lawyer and the U.S. government.
In this article, we’ll break down what the G-28 form is, why it matters, who should use it, and what happens if you don’t include it in your immigration filing.
What Is Form G-28?
Form G-28 is a simple, one-page document that formally notifies the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which includes USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), CBP (Customs and Border Protection), and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) that an attorney or accredited representative is acting on your behalf in your immigration case.
In other words, when you hire an immigration lawyer, the G-28 form gives them official permission to communicate with the government about your case and receive information or documents related to it.
Without this form, government agencies are not allowed to discuss your case details with anyone but you, even if you’ve already hired an attorney.
Why the G-28 Form Is So Important
The G-28 form serves several vital functions:
- Grants Your Lawyer Permission to Act for You
By signing the form, you authorize your attorney to represent you before immigration agencies. This allows your lawyer to submit evidence, respond to requests, and communicate directly with government officers on your behalf. - Protects Your Privacy
U.S. immigration agencies take confidentiality seriously. Without a signed G-28, they cannot share sensitive information about your case even with your lawyer. The G-28 removes that barrier so your attorney can handle communications properly. - Ensures Proper Communication
With the G-28 on file, all official notices, requests for evidence (RFEs), or updates from USCIS are sent both to you and your attorney. This ensures that nothing gets missed or delayed. - Prevents Miscommunication or Lost Mail
Immigration cases often involve time-sensitive deadlines. If USCIS sends a notice to the wrong address or if you move and forget to update your mailing information, your attorney will still receive the correspondence. This redundancy helps protect your case.
When and Where Is Form G-28 Used?
The G-28 form is used anytime your lawyer needs to communicate with or submit paperwork to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This includes:
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): For petitions such as Form I-130 (family-based green card), Form I-485 (adjustment of status), or Form N-400 (naturalization).
- CBP (Customs and Border Protection): For matters involving ports of entry, waivers, or deferred inspections.
- ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): For removal proceedings or immigration detainers.
In some cases, the G-28 can also be used with the National Visa Center (NVC) when communicating about immigrant visa applications processed abroad.
What Information Does Form G-28 Include?
Form G-28 contains key details about both you and your attorney:
- Your Information: Full name, contact details, and signature confirming authorization.
- Attorney’s Information: Name, law firm, contact details, bar number, and signature.
- Type of Representation: The specific immigration benefit or application the lawyer will handle.
Both the client and the lawyer must sign the form before it can be submitted. The attorney will then include it as the top sheet in your immigration packet so USCIS knows right away who is representing you.
What Happens If You Don’t Include a G-28 Form?
Forgetting to include a G-28 form might seem like a small mistake, but it can cause significant communication problems later in your case.
Here’s what might happen if you skip it:
- USCIS will send all correspondence directly to you, not your lawyer, which could lead to missed deadlines or lost mail.
- Your attorney won’t be able to call USCIS or follow up on your case, since they won’t be officially recognized as your representative.
- The government might reject any attempt by your lawyer to request information or updates about your application.
To prevent these issues, experienced immigration attorneys like JQK Law always attach Form G-28 as the very first page in any filing submitted to the government.
How Form G-28 Protects You During the Immigration Process
Immigration cases can often take months or even years to complete. During that time, it’s essential that all official notices, updates, or decisions reach both you and your legal representative.
When you sign Form G-28, you’re not only giving your attorney permission to act for you, you’re also building an extra layer of protection around your case.
If an RFE (Request for Evidence) or NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) is issued, both you and your lawyer will receive it. This helps ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and that your case continues without unnecessary delays.
Who Should Sign the G-28 Form?
Only the client and the attorney of record should sign the form. If a law firm has multiple attorneys, the one who will directly handle your case should be the one listed.
At JQK Law, for example, each client signs a G-28 authorizing attorney John Q. Khosravi or a designated attorney from his team to represent them in their immigration matter. This allows JQK Law to communicate directly with government agencies like USCIS and NVC on behalf of clients.
Tips for Clients: Working With Your Lawyer on the G-28
- Read the form carefully before signing. Make sure your name, address, and case type are correct.
- Keep a copy for your records. Your attorney should also provide you with a copy after submission.
- Update your address immediately if you move. Both USCIS and your attorney need to have your most recent contact details.
- Don’t submit your own duplicate G-28. Your attorney will include the correct version when filing your case.
- Make sure it is the most recent edition.
Final Thoughts
The Form G-28 may seem like just another piece of paperwork in the long list of immigration forms, but it plays a critical role in your case’s success. It authorizes your lawyer to communicate directly with the government, protects your privacy, and ensures that both you and your attorney stay informed throughout the process.
At JQK Law, we make sure every case begins with a properly completed G-28 form because clear communication and legal authorization are key to avoiding mistakes, delays, and confusion with immigration agencies.
If you’re starting your U.S. immigration journey and want experienced legal help to guide you every step of the way, schedule a consultation with us today.
👉 Visit JQKLaw.com/contacjqklaw.com/contactt to book your consultation.
