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Official form guide
Form G-28I: Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney in Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States
Form G-28I is the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney in Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States. Use it when an attorney or accredited representative wants to be recognized as the legal representative for a client in a USCIS case that is being processed abroad.
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USCIS Form G-28I - Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney in Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States
Form G-28I is the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney in Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States. Use it when an attorney or accredited representative wants to be recognized as the legal representative for a client in a USCIS case that is being processed abroad.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1A single missing signature can invalidate the entire representation notice.
- 2Incorrect attorney bar number
- 3Missing client A‑number or receipt number
- 4Signature missing or illegible
- 5Out‑of‑date edition of the form
Plain English
If you hire a lawyer to handle your immigration paperwork while you are outside the U.S., the lawyer files this short form to tell USCIS they are acting for you. It lets the agency send notices to the lawyer instead of the applicant.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File it as soon as the attorney begins work, typically before the first USCIS filing that will be processed overseas.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use when an attorney represents a client in a case processed abroad.
- Do not use for domestic filings; use Form G‑28 instead.
- If the client already has an attorney on record, file a new G‑28I only to replace the prior notice.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Client in U.S.
Domestic representation requires G-28, not G-28I
✓ Verify location of case processing
Non‑lawyer accredited representative
Accredited representatives may also use G-28I
✓ Confirm accreditation status
Attorney wants to withdraw
Use same form with withdrawal language
✓ Ensure prior notice was filed
Deadline or filing window
USCIS does not set a hard deadline for filing G-28I, but it must be submitted before any USCIS action that requires notice to the attorney (e.g., Request for Evidence). Delaying the filing can cause missed communications and jeopardize the underlying case.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Attorney contact section
Valid bar card or accreditation proof · Attorney’s records
Client identification
Receipt number or A‑number · Client’s immigration notice
Signature block
Handwritten signature of attorney · Signed PDF or paper
Date field
Current date · Calendar
Before you submit
- 1Use the latest edition of Form G-28I.
- 2Verify attorney’s bar number and contact info.
- 3Enter client’s correct A‑number or receipt number.
- 4Attorney signs in black ink.
- 5Date the form on the day of filing.
- 6Attach the form to the first overseas petition.
- 7Mail to the exact lockbox address in the petition instructions.
- 8Keep a scanned copy of the signed form for records.
- 9Confirm receipt of the package via USPS tracking.
- 10Check that the client’s case status reflects the attorney’s appearance.
How to file this form
- 1Download the current G-28I PDF from USCIS.gov.
- 2Complete all required fields on a computer or print and fill by hand.
- 3Have the attorney sign and date the form.
- 4Include the form with the client’s initial petition (e.g., I-130, I-485) that will be processed abroad.
- 5Place the packet in an envelope addressed to the lockbox listed in the petition’s filing instructions.
- 6Mail with tracking; retain the receipt.
- 7Log the filing date and tracking number in the client’s case file.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not accept electronic signatures; must be handwritten.
- 2USCIS does not provide an online portal for G-28I submission.
- 3The form contains no fee field, but some petitions bundled with it may have fees.
- 4Only one G-28I per client per case is recognized; duplicate notices can cause confusion.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.
Details
1 items
The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents supporting this application.
Signatures
2 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
MM/DD/YYYY.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form G-28I is active and accepted for all new outside‑the‑U.S. cases. USCIS may retire the form in future updates, so verify the edition before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date – confirm the PDF shows the current USCIS edition (usually listed on the bottom of the first page).
- Fee – no filing fee is required for G-28I itself.
- Mailing address – use the address specified in the instructions of the primary petition.
- Signature line – ensure the attorney signs in the designated box.
- Bar number format – match the state bar’s official format.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Save the scanned copy of the signed G-28I in the client’s digital file.
- 2Record the mailing date, tracking number, and lockbox address used.
- 3Monitor the case status online for the “Attorney Appearance” indicator.
- 4If USCIS sends a Request for Evidence, verify it was addressed to the attorney.
- 5Notify the client that all future notices will go to the attorney’s address.
- 6Update the attorney’s contact info if it changes during the case.
Sources
- SRCUSCIS Form G-28I PDF title confirms name and purpose.
- SRCInstructions state the form is for matters outside the geographical confines of the United States.
- SRCNo filing fee listed in the form instructions.
- SRCSignature line requires handwritten signature.
- SRC[object Object]
- SRC[object Object]
Common confusion points
G-28 vs G-28I
Domestic vs abroad processing
→ Verify where the case is being adjudicated
Bar number format
Some states include letters, others numbers only
→ Check the state bar website
Signature requirement
Scanned signatures sometimes rejected
→ Use a clear, original ink signature
Mailing address
Lockbox differs by petition type
→ Follow the specific petition instructions
Multiple attorneys
Only one appearance per case is recognized
→ File a new G-28I to replace the previous one
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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