G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance in Tustin: 2026 Authorized Representative Filing Guide
When Tustin applicants use Form G-28, who may sign it, and how USCIS notice delivery changes
Quick Answer
Form G-28 is not a standalone immigration benefit. It is the notice that a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative is authorized to appear for a client before DHS on a specific matter. Tustin applicants usually submit it with the underlying USCIS form, or a new G-28 later if they change representatives. The current USCIS Fee Schedule lists G-28 general filing at $0. A document preparer or notario cannot sign G-28 as your representative, and online G-28 filing applies only where USCIS supports online filing for that case.
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SoCal Immigration Services
General information only. Not legal advice.
Tustin families often prepare I-130, I-485, N-400, I-765, I-751, I-90, or related USCIS filings while deciding whether they need legal representation. A properly filed G-28 affects who receives notices, who may communicate with USCIS about the case, and whether a representative can manage supported online-account tasks. SoCal Immigration Services helps with form preparation, certified Arabic translations, and document organization, while flagging situations where the applicant should speak with a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.
What Form G-28 Does
- •Use G-28 for DHS matters handled by USCIS, CBP, or ICE
- •File it with the related USCIS request or later with the office handling the pending case
- •Both the client and the attorney or accredited representative must sign the form
- •A properly completed G-28 lets USCIS send notices to the representative when the selected notice boxes support that delivery
- •USCIS says it will still send the applicant a courtesy copy when notices are sent to the representative
- •For Board of Immigration Appeals matters, the USCIS G-28 instructions point users to EOIR forms instead of G-28
Who May Sign G-28 as the Representative?
| Representative Type | Can Sign G-28? | Practical Tustin Note |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed U.S. attorney | Yes | Must be eligible to practice law and in good standing |
| DOJ-accredited representative | Yes | Must work through a recognized nonprofit organization |
| Law student or law graduate | Limited | Only under qualifying supervision and DHS permission |
| Reputable individual | Limited | Case-by-case, unpaid, preexisting relationship, and DHS permission required |
| Foreign attorney for U.S. domestic matter | Usually no | Foreign-attorney appearances are handled under narrower DHS rules |
| Paralegal, interpreter, document preparer, or notario | No | May help with non-legal support only within their allowed role |
When Tustin Applicants Usually Need G-28
| Scenario | G-28 Posture | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Self-filed I-130 or N-400 with document-preparation help | No G-28 | Applicant remains self-represented and receives notices directly |
| Attorney files an I-485, N-400, I-130, or RFE response | G-28 expected | USCIS can recognize the attorney for case communication |
| DOJ-accredited nonprofit representative helps with a USCIS benefit request | G-28 expected | The recognized organization and accredited representative must be identified |
| Pending case gets a new attorney | New G-28 | USCIS says a new G-28 is used to change a legal representative |
| Applicant withdraws a representative | Signed withdrawal letter | USCIS says the applicant may send a letter and continue without representation |
| Immigration court or BIA case | Different EOIR form | G-28 is for DHS matters, not the immigration-court appearance form |
G-28 USCIS Fee and Professional Fees
| Cost Item | Source-Backed Rule | Tustin Planning Note |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS G-28 filing fee | $0 general filing | Confirm the current USCIS Fee Schedule before mailing a package |
| Underlying immigration form fee | Depends on the form | The I-130, I-485, N-400, I-765, or other request may still have a separate fee |
| Attorney professional fee | Not set by USCIS | Ask for a written scope, fee agreement, and who will sign G-28 |
| DOJ-recognized nonprofit help | Not set by USCIS | Confirm the representative is on the EOIR recognition and accreditation roster |
| Document-preparation fee | Not a G-28 fee | A preparer may not sign G-28 as your legal representative |
Online G-28 Through a USCIS Account
- 1Representative creates a USCIS online account
USCIS says representatives use an online account to file certain forms, manage cases, view notices, respond to RFEs, upload evidence, and manage representative information.
- 2Representative starts a supported online form
USCIS lists specific forms available for representative online filing. If the underlying form is not supported online, follow the paper filing instructions.
- 3USCIS adds G-28 to the online workflow
USCIS says Form G-28 is included as part of the online application process for supported forms so the client and representative review and sign together.
- 4Client reviews and signs
The client must review the G-28 and the application, then digitally sign before the representative can submit the package.
- 5Representative pays any underlying form fee
USCIS explains that the representative pays the application fee in the account. If the underlying form has no fee, the case is submitted without that payment step.
Paper G-28 and Pending Case Updates
| Filing Situation | What USCIS Guidance Supports | Avoid This Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| New paper USCIS filing | File G-28 with the related application, petition, or appeal | Do not mail a loose G-28 without enough case identification |
| Pending case gets a new representative | File a new signed G-28 with the USCIS office where the case is pending | Do not assume USCIS updates the file from an email to the old attorney |
| Applicant withdraws the representative | Send a signed letter saying you want to withdraw the representative and continue without representation | Do not rely on the representative's private disengagement letter alone |
| Representative changes address | USCIS lists online, new G-28, or written-request options depending on the case | Do not update only one pending case if the representative handles several cases |
| G-28 is incomplete or unsigned | USCIS says it will not accept an improperly completed G-28 | Do not forget the client signature and representative signature |
Document Preparers, Consultants, and Notario Warnings
- •A document preparer may help organize information and type forms when the applicant remains self-represented
- •A document preparer may not give legal strategy or sign G-28 as the representative
- •A notary public is not automatically a lawyer or immigration representative in the United States
- •A California immigration consultant must satisfy California Secretary of State qualification requirements
- •An accredited representative should be confirmed through the DOJ recognition and accreditation resources
- •A licensed attorney should be confirmed through the relevant state bar or licensing authority
- •If a case involves fraud, a prior removal order, criminal history, a waiver, asylum, or court proceedings, get legal review before filing
Representative Access and Privacy
- •Receipt notices, biometrics notices, RFEs, notices of intent to deny, approvals, denials, and similar notices may be routed under the preferences selected on G-28
- •Secure documents can include a green card, employment authorization document, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship, or advance parole document when the G-28 preferences support that delivery
- •The client should keep copies of every signed form, uploaded document, RFE response, notice, and fee receipt
- •The client should make sure the representative's mailing address, email, and organization name are current
- •The client should not sign a blank G-28 or a G-28 naming someone they have not agreed to retain
Common G-28 Mistakes to Avoid
- •Using an old, incomplete, or mismatched edition page set
- •Missing the client's signature or the representative's signature
- •Listing a preparer, paralegal, or office staff member as the representative
- •Mailing G-28 to a lockbox when USCIS guidance says to send pending-case updates to the office where the case is pending
- •Trying to use online G-28 for a case that does not support the online representative workflow
- •Changing attorneys without filing a new G-28 or sending a withdrawal letter when needed
- •Failing to keep the applicant's own mailing address current even when a representative receives notices
How SoCal Immigration Services Helps Tustin Applicants
- •Prepare self-represented USCIS packets for I-130, I-485, N-400, I-90, I-751, I-765, and related forms
- •Organize Arabic civil documents and certified English translations
- •Prepare applicant-signed response drafts and evidence indexes for document-only workflows
- •Identify when facts suggest attorney or accredited-representative review before filing
- •Coordinate document packets when the client separately retains a representative who signs G-28
- •Keep clear copies of forms, evidence, notices, and filing records for the applicant
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Do I need G-28 for a Tustin I-130 or N-400?
A: Only if an eligible attorney or DOJ-accredited representative is appearing for you before USCIS. If you self-file with document-preparation help, no G-28 is filed and USCIS communicates directly with you.
Q:How much is the USCIS fee for Form G-28 in 2026?
A: The USCIS Fee Schedule lists Form G-28 general filing at $0. The underlying immigration form may still have a separate fee, and any attorney, nonprofit, or document-preparation charge is separate from the USCIS G-28 filing fee.
Q:Can a document preparer, paralegal, or notario file G-28 for me?
A: No. For routine USCIS representation, G-28 is for an attorney or accredited representative. A document preparer, paralegal, interpreter, consultant, or notario may not sign G-28 as your legal representative.
Q:Can I change attorneys or withdraw G-28 after my case is pending?
A: Yes. USCIS guidance says a new legal representative uses a new G-28, and an applicant who wants to withdraw representation can send a signed letter saying they intend to continue without legal representation.
Q:Is online G-28 required for every case?
A: No. USCIS online G-28 filing applies inside supported online representative workflows. Paper G-28 remains the path for many paper filings and pending-case updates.
Q:How do I verify a DOJ-accredited representative?
A: Use DOJ EOIR recognition and accreditation resources to confirm that the organization is recognized and that the representative is accredited through that organization before signing G-28.
Official Sources
- USCIS Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative
- USCIS Filing Your Form G-28
- USCIS Online Filing for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives
- USCIS Fee Schedule
- eCFR 8 CFR 292.1, Representation of others
- DOJ EOIR Recognition and Accreditation Program
- California Secretary of State Immigration Consultant Qualification Requirements
- California Department of Justice consumer alert on notario fraud
Need Help Understanding G-28 Before You File in Tustin?
Our team prepares self-represented USCIS form packets and explains when a case should be reviewed by an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative who can sign G-28. Call (714) 421-8872 for a document-preparation review.
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