SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

In immigration matters, Form G-28 authorizes accredited representatives or attorneys to act on your behalf with USCIS, while general power of attorney documents may be needed for other purposes. Understanding the difference helps Bellflower families ensure their immigration cases are handled properly.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Many Bellflower families need to authorize someone to help with their immigration cases, whether because they're abroad, working, or need professional assistance. SoCal Immigration Services helps you understand the different authorization forms and when each is appropriate.

Understanding Immigration Authorization

There are several ways to authorize someone to help with immigration matters:

Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance):
This USCIS form authorizes an attorney or accredited representative to act on your behalf in immigration proceedings. It's the primary authorization for professional help.

General Power of Attorney:
A state-law document that grants broad authority. While useful for many purposes, it has limited application in immigration-specific matters.

Limited Power of Attorney:
Grants specific, narrow authority for particular tasks. May be useful for document pickup or specific transactions.

USCIS doesn't accept general POA for most immigration filings - you must use G-28 or appear personally.

When to Use Form G-28

Form G-28 is required when you want an attorney or accredited representative to:

•File applications or petitions on your behalf
•Receive USCIS correspondence about your case
•Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE)
•Attend USCIS interviews with you
•Communicate with USCIS about your case
•Make arguments or submit evidence
•Request case status information
•Appeal decisions or file motions

Who Can Be Your Representative?

Only certain people can be authorized on Form G-28:

Representative Type	Requirements	Scope
Licensed Attorney	Active bar membership in any U.S. state	Full representation in all matters
Accredited Representative	DOJ accredited, works for recognized organization	Limited to organization's scope
Law Student/Graduate	Supervised by licensed attorney	Limited practice under supervision
Reputable Individual	Approved by USCIS for specific case	Very limited circumstances

How to Complete Form G-28

Follow these steps to properly authorize a representative:

1
Download Current Form
Get the latest Form G-28 from uscis.gov. Using outdated forms can cause rejection.
2
Complete Part 1 (Your Information)
Enter your name, address, date of birth, and A-number (if you have one). Sign where indicated.
3
Representative Completes Part 2
Your representative enters their information, bar number or accreditation details, and signs.
4
Identify the Case
Specify which application or case the G-28 covers. Can cover multiple applications if listed.
5
Submit with Application
Include G-28 with your USCIS application or submit separately if case is already pending.

General Power of Attorney for Immigration-Related Matters

While G-28 covers USCIS interactions, general POA may be useful for:

Document-Related Tasks:
• Picking up documents from foreign consulates
• Obtaining certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates
• Signing for delivery of documents
• Authenticating or apostilling documents

Financial Matters:
• Signing Affidavit of Support (I-864) financial documents
• Managing sponsor's financial accounts for immigration purposes
• Paying immigration filing fees

Non-USCIS Government Agencies:
• Social Security Administration matters
• State DMV for license based on immigration status
• Other agencies that accept POA

Note: Always verify with the specific agency whether they accept POA for your purpose.

Creating a Valid Power of Attorney

For Bellflower residents needing a general or limited POA:

•State Requirements: California POA laws apply. Document must be signed and dated.
•Notarization: Most institutions require notarized POA. California notary public can notarize.
•Witnesses: Some purposes require witnesses in addition to notarization.
•Specific Authority: Clearly state what the agent can and cannot do.
•Expiration: Include expiration date if authority is temporary.
•Revocation: Understand how to revoke POA if circumstances change.
•Copies: Make multiple notarized copies - many agencies require originals.

POA for Family Members Abroad

Special considerations when family members are overseas:

Consular Authentication:
If POA is executed abroad, it may need authentication by U.S. consulate or apostille under Hague Convention (depending on country).

Arabic Document Translation:
POA documents in Arabic must be accompanied by certified English translations for U.S. use.

Foreign Notarization:
Documents notarized abroad may need additional steps to be valid in the U.S. Requirements vary by country.

Limited Validity:
Some institutions don't accept foreign-executed POA. Verify acceptance before relying on it.

For Bellflower families with relatives abroad, proper authentication is crucial for document acceptance.

Authorized Representative vs. Petitioner

Understanding the difference is important:

Role	Definition	Can They Sign Forms?
Petitioner/Applicant	The person filing the application	Yes - required signature
Beneficiary	Person who benefits from petition	Only on forms they must sign
Attorney/Rep (G-28)	Authorized legal representative	Can sign correspondence, not core applications
POA Holder	General legal agent	Generally not for USCIS forms

Common Situations for Bellflower Families

When different authorization forms are appropriate:

•Parent abroad, child filing I-130: G-28 for representative; POA may help with foreign document gathering
•Sponsor needs help with I-864: POA for financial document access; sponsor must still sign I-864
•Applicant at work during USCIS interview: Must attend personally; G-28 representative can accompany
•Picking up passport from consulate: POA may be accepted - verify with specific consulate
•Elderly parent applying for citizenship: G-28 for representative; may need POA for other matters
•Out of country during RFE response: G-28 representative can respond; POA helps with document collection

Limitations of Authorization

Important limitations to understand:

•You generally must sign your own USCIS applications
•POA cannot substitute for required personal appearances
•Interviews usually require the applicant's presence
•Oath ceremonies (naturalization) cannot be done by proxy
•Biometrics must be done by the applicant personally
•G-28 only authorizes communication and filing assistance
•Marriage must be attended by both parties (K-1 visa purpose)
•Medical exams must be completed by the applicant

Revoking or Changing Representatives

If you need to change your authorized representative:

Revoking G-28:
• File new G-28 with new representative (automatically revokes old)
• Or file written notice to USCIS revoking representation
• Old representative loses access to your case

Changing POA:
• Create new POA document
• Formally revoke old POA in writing
• Notify any institutions that had the old POA
• Keep records of revocation

Communication:
• Inform old representative of change
• Ensure new representative has all case documents
• Update address if representative was receiving mail

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services

We help Bellflower families with authorization needs:

•Arabic and English-speaking staff serving Los Angeles County
•G-28 preparation for DOJ accredited representatives
•Understanding of when POA vs. G-28 is appropriate
•Document translation services (Arabic to English)
•Coordination with foreign consulates for authentication
•Help gathering documents when applicants are abroad
•Clear explanation of limitations and requirements
•Ongoing case support and communication

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Can someone else sign my immigration application for me?

A: Generally no. USCIS requires applicants to sign their own applications. A G-28 representative can help prepare and file applications but cannot sign on your behalf except in very limited circumstances for people with disabilities.

Q:Do I need a lawyer to file immigration applications?

A: No, you can file immigration applications yourself (pro se). However, for complex cases, having an attorney or accredited representative authorized via G-28 can significantly improve your chances of success.

Q:Can my family member be my immigration representative?

A: Family members generally cannot serve as G-28 authorized representatives unless they're licensed attorneys or DOJ accredited. They can help you prepare applications, but official correspondence goes to you or an authorized representative only.

Q:Is a notarized power of attorney enough for USCIS?

A: No. USCIS doesn't accept general power of attorney for most purposes. You must use Form G-28 to authorize an attorney or accredited representative. POA may be useful for related tasks like document gathering.

Q:Can my representative attend my USCIS interview without me?

A: No. You must attend your own USCIS interview. Your G-28 authorized representative can accompany you and assist, but cannot substitute for your presence. Some interviews may allow representative to attend in addition to you.

Q:How do I find a DOJ accredited representative?

A: The DOJ maintains a list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives at justice.gov/eoir/recognized-organizations-and-accredited-representatives. These representatives often serve immigrant communities at lower cost than private attorneys.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Bellflower and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 29, 2026Last Updated: January 29, 2026

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Power of Attorney for Immigration in Bellflower: Authorizing Representatives