Form G-28I Guide

USCIS evaluates the attorney's licensing authority and whether they are in good standing. A common mismatch occurs when the attorney fails to provide their license number or relevant disciplinary history. Proper completion of Form G-28I is crucial for recognition in immigration matters.

• Provide a photocopy of the original handwritten signature for filing.
• Include the attorney's license number and details of their law firm.
• Ensure the client's contact information is accurate and complete.
• Attach any relevant documents that support the attorney's eligibility.
• Verify that all signatures are present before submission.

• Missing signatures from the attorney or client can lead to a request for evidence. This is a common issue that can delay processing.
• Incomplete attorney information or licensing details may trigger an RFE. It's important to provide all required information accurately.
• Failure to provide the client's mailing address can result in an RFE. This information is essential for communication purposes.
• Not disclosing any disciplinary actions against the attorney may lead to complications. Full disclosure is necessary to maintain transparency.

• The attorney must be licensed to practice law in a country outside the U.S.
• The form must be signed by both the attorney and the client.
• Each attorney must file a separate Form G-28I for each case.
• The attorney must provide their licensing authority and license number.
• The form must be filed in person at a DHS office if acting on behalf of another attorney.

• General Instructions

  This section provides guidelines on how to fill out the form and the importance of using the latest version.

• Specific Instructions

  Detailed instructions on filling out each part of the form, including eligibility and attorney information.

• Part 1. Information About Attorney

  Provide complete details about the attorney, including their contact information and licensing authority.

• Part 2. Eligibility Information for Attorney

  Indicate the attorney's eligibility to practice law and disclose any disciplinary actions if applicable.

• Part 4. Client’s Consent to Representation and Signature

  The client must sign to confirm consent to representation and provide their contact information.

• Part 5. Signature of Attorney

  The attorney must sign and date the form in black ink, confirming their representation.

• Part 4. Client’s Consent to Representation and Signature
  • Family Name (Last Name)
  • Given Name (First Name)
  • Middle Name
  • USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
  • Daytime Telephone Number
  • Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
  • Address of Attorney
  • License Number (if applicable)
  • Name of Law Firm or Organization (if applicable)
  • Country
  • City or Town
  • Street Number and Name
  • Postal Code
  • Receipt Number (if any)
  • Client's Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
  • Client's USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
  • Mailing Address of Client
  • In Matters Outside the Geographical Confines
  • of the United States
  • Form G-28I
  • What Is the Purpose of Form G-28I?
  • Services (USCIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • Who May Use Form G-28I?
  • Attorneys Licensed Outside the United States
  • How To Fill Out Form G-28I
• Part 5. Signature of Attorney
  • Warning
  • Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Requests

• Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
• Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
• Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
• Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.

• Failing to provide a valid signature; stamped or typewritten names are not accepted.
• Omitting required information about the attorney's licensing authority.
• Not providing the client's mailing address correctly.
• Submitting the form without the necessary supporting documents.
• Using an outdated version of the form.
• Neglecting to check for consistency in the information provided.

• Situation: An applicant is preparing G-28I and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
• Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for G-28I. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
• Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on G-28I and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.

• A photocopy of a signature is acceptable; however, it must be a copy of the original handwritten signature. This is crucial for the validity of the form.
• The attorney must file a separate Form G-28I for each case they are involved in. This is necessary to maintain clear records for each representation.
• The form cannot be filed for matters within the United States. It is specifically for proceedings conducted outside the geographical confines of the U.S.
• If an attorney is standing in for another, they can submit the form without the original attorney's signature. However, both signatures are required for validity.

This guide is built from the official instructions for Form G-28I, ensuring you have the most current and accurate information. It is designed to help you navigate the requirements and avoid common pitfalls in the filing process.

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