Form G-28 Filing Rule Update: What Immigrants & Lawyers Must Know

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a Form G-28 filing rule update: a new federal requirement that governs when and how Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative) must be filed.

This change aims to streamline communications between immigration attorneys and U.S. immigration agencies, especially in cases involving removal, bond, or appeals.

What is Form G-28?

Form G-28 lets immigration officials know that a lawyer or accredited representative is authorized to act on your behalf. Without it, USCIS, ICE, or EOIR will not communicate case updates with your representative.

What’s New?

Under the new rule:

Attorneys and Accredited Reps Must File G-28 in Every New Case – Even if you previously submitted a G-28 in a related matter, you now need to file it again if a new application or proceeding begins.
DHS Will Require G-28 for Certain Non-Court Contacts – This includes situations where ICE officers, CBP, or USCIS request documents or issue notices.
Incomplete or Incorrect G-28 Forms Could Delay Your Case – DHS now emphasizes that filings lacking a valid G-28 may be rejected or held without action.

Recent federal data shows that over 4 million G-28 forms are submitted annually to DHS, approximately 4.18 million paper filings and 464,000 online filings, ranking among the most frequently used immigration forms. With the new form G-28 filing rule update, this volume underscores the impact small errors could cause across thousands of cases.

Who Does This Affect?

Immigrants in Detention or Facing Removal
Those Submitting USCIS Applications with Legal Representation
Anyone Working With an Immigration Attorney or Legal Rep

What You Should Do

If you’re an immigrant working with a lawyer, ask them to confirm that a valid G-28 is on file for every case or application you’ve submitted.
If you’re an attorney or legal rep, review your case files and submit updated G-28s where needed to stay compliant.
Always double-check that the G-28 includes accurate contact information and signatures.
ICE’s ERO also recently launched the ERO eFile system, allowing attorneys to file electronic G‑28s with ERO directly. However, these electronic filings are not recognized by USCIS. Under the new form G-28 filing rule update, attorneys must file separate G‑28s for USCIS and ICE to maintain active representation in all relevant systems.

Note: For immigration court matters under EOIR (not DHS), attorneys must file Form EOIR‑28 instead of G‑28. The form G-28 filing rule update applies only to DHS agencies, USCIS, ICE, or CBP, and does not replace EOIR’s separate procedural requirements.

Why It Matters

A properly executed Form G-28 is critical because DHS systems will only recognize an attorney or accredited representative if the form is correctly signed and submitted. Under the form G-28 filing rule update, omissions like missing signatures or incorrect addresses can result in delays or rejection by USCIS, ICE, or CBP.

Having a valid G-28 on file ensures your attorney receives timely updates, requests, and decisions from immigration agencies. Without it, you could miss critical deadlines or worse, face unnecessary denials.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered

At Qazi Law, we review every case to make sure your forms are filed properly. We track updates, respond to notices, and advocate for your rights every step of the way. If you’re unsure about your current filing status or think you may be affected by this rule, reach out now.

📞 Call us today at 630-504-0648 or schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Farrah.