G-28 Attorney Representation Form: A Complete Guide for Couples (2026)

Applying for a marriage-based green card involves a mountain of paperwork. As you look through the list of required documents, you might stumble across something called “Form G-28.”

Unlike the other forms that ask about your marriage or your history, this one seems different. It’s technical. It’s confusing. And it leaves many couples wondering: Do I need this? Did I miss a step?

If you are confused, take a deep breath. You are in the right place.

In this guide, we will break down exactly what the G-28 attorney representation form is, who needs to file it, and perhaps most importantly—whether you need it for your specific journey.

What is the G-28 Attorney Representation Form?

The official name for this document is the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative. However, everyone in the immigration world simply calls it the “G-28.”

When you file for a green card, USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) has strict privacy rules. They cannot discuss your case with anyone but you—unless you give them written permission.

The g-28 attorney representation form is that written permission.

When this form is filed, two things happen:

1. Authorization: You authorize an attorney or accredited representative to act on your behalf.
2. Communication: USCIS will send all official notices, requests for evidence (RFEs), and appointment letters to your attorney, usually in addition to sending copies to you.

Who is an “Accredited Representative”?

You might notice the form mentions “Accredited Representatives.” This doesn’t mean a notary public or a document preparer. It refers to non-lawyers who work for specific non-profit, religious, or charitable organizations recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide legal immigration services.

Who Needs to File Form G-28?

This is the most common question we get at Greenbroad. The answer is simple: You only need to file Form G-28 if you have hired a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative to handle your case.

You SHOULD use an attorney (and file Form G-28) if:

• You have a criminal record: Even minor offenses can complicate immigration cases.
• You have previous immigration violations: Overstaying a visa by a significant amount of time, previous deportations, or fraud accusations.
• You are currently in removal (deportation) proceedings.
• You have a very complex specific situation that requires legal arguments to be made on your behalf.

In these scenarios, having a lawyer is crucial, and the g-28 attorney representation form allows them to fight for you.

You likely DO NOT need an attorney (or Form G-28) if:

• You entered the U.S. legally (with a visa).
• You are married to a U.S. citizen.
• You have no criminal history.
• You have never violated immigration laws (other than perhaps minor visa overstays which are often forgiven for spouses of U.S. citizens).

For thousands of couples with straightforward cases, hiring an attorney can be an unnecessary expense. Attorney fees for a marriage green card in 2026 can range from $4,000 to $7,000—not including the USCIS filing fees.

This is where Greenbroad comes in.

If your case is simple, you can file “Pro Se.” This means you represent yourself. However, representing yourself doesn’t mean doing it alone. Greenbroad helps you prepare your application package, checks it for errors, and gives you a filing strategy—all for a fraction of the cost of a lawyer. Since we are a document preparation service and not a law firm, you do not file Form G-28 when using Greenbroad.

Marriage Green Card Cost - Total Fees Breakdown (2026 Update)

G-28 Attorney Representation Form 2026: What’s New?

As of 2026, USCIS has continued to modernize its intake process. While the core of the g-28 attorney representation form remains the same, there are a few updates you should be aware of:

1. Online Filing Integration: If your attorney is filing your I-130 petition online, the G-28 must also be submitted digitally within the attorney’s online account.
2. Strict Signature Rules: USCIS is very strict about signatures. While scanned (reproduced) signatures are currently accepted, they must be hand-signed originally. You cannot type your name in a cursive font and call it a signature.
3. Edition Date: Always ensure you are using the most current edition of the form. Using an outdated form will result in immediate rejection.

You can verify the latest edition date on the official USCIS G-28 page.

How to Fill Out the G-28 Attorney Representation Form Guide

If you have decided to hire an attorney, they will usually fill this form out for you and ask you to sign it. However, it is important to know what you are signing.

Here is a step-by-step g-28 attorney representation form guide on what the sections cover:

Part 1: Information About Attorney or Accredited Representative

This section is for your lawyer. They will provide their:

• USCIS Online Account Number (if they have one).
• Name and contact information.
• Licensing authority (which Bar Association they belong to) and license number.

Part 2: Information About the Client (Applicant, Petitioner, Requestor, or Beneficiary)

This is about you.

• Name: Must match your other application documents exactly.
• A-Number: If you have an Alien Registration Number, it goes here.
• Contact Info: Your phone and email.

Part 3: Eligibility to Appear for the Client

This is where the attorney checks a box stating they are a licensed attorney in good standing or an accredited representative.

Part 4: Client’s Consent to Representation

This is the most critical part for you. You will see checkboxes regarding how you want to receive secure identity documents (like your Green Card or