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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
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form G-28I is the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney in Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States. It is filed by attorneys licensed outside the U.S. and requires handwritten signatures from both attorney and client, with a photocopy, fax, or scan of the original signature accepted.
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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
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form G-28I is the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney in Matters Outside the Geographical Confines of the United States. It is filed by attorneys licensed outside the U.S. and requires handwritten signatures from both attorney and client, with a photocopy, fax, or scan of the original signature accepted.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting without a handwritten attorney or client signature leads to immediate rejection.
- 2Submitting the form without the attorney’s handwritten signature or with a typed name.
- 3Failing to include the DHS official’s permission for the attorney to appear.
- 4Providing the attorney’s business mailing address unless it serves as the safe mailing address on the petition.
- 5Not checking the client’s option to have USCIS send original notices to the attorney’s address when required.
Plain English
This form lets a foreign‑licensed attorney tell USCIS that they will represent a client in a case that is happening outside the United States. Once filed, USCIS will send any notices about the case to the attorney (and a copy to the client) instead of directly to the client.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- 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 this form when an attorney licensed outside the United States needs to appear for a client in an immigration matter outside the geographical confines of the United States.
- Do not use it when the attorney is licensed in the United States or the matter is conducted within the United States.
- Check Form G-28I instead when representing a client inside the United States.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Attorney licensed outside the U.S. needs to represent a client in an immigration matter abroad
Establishes the attorney’s eligibility and authority to appear before DHS outside the United States
✓ Confirm the attorney is admitted in the country of residence and both signatures are present
Client requests a new attorney to appear in an ongoing overseas DHS proceeding
Updates DHS records with new representation and requires signatures from both attorney and client
✓ Verify the original attorney’s record is superseded and both signatures are included
Attorney must appear in person at a DHS office abroad for a limited interview
Required even for limited in‑person appearances at a DHS office abroad
✓ Ensure the original attorney or accredited representative remains on record as noted
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Attorney USCIS Online Account Number
Handwritten or typed number if attorney has one · Part 1, Item 1 of the form
Client Mailing Address
Street, city, province, postal code, country as provided by client · Part 3 of the form
Client Consent Signature
Original handwritten signature of client · Part 4, Client’s Consent to Representation and Signature
Attorney Signature
Original handwritten ink signature of attorney · Signature line on the form
Client Option for Notice Delivery
Selection of Item 1 indicating USCIS to send notices to attorney · Part 4, Item 1
Before you submit
- 1Verify attorney is licensed in a foreign country and in good standing.
- 2Confirm DHS official has granted permission to appear.
- 3Complete Part 1 with attorney’s name, address, and USCIS Online Account Number (if any).
- 4Fill client’s full mailing address in Part 3, avoiding attorney business address.
- 5Select Item 1 in Part 4 if client wants notices sent to attorney.
- 6Obtain client’s handwritten signature on the consent section.
- 7Obtain attorney’s handwritten signature on the form.
- 8Ensure all entries are typed or printed in black ink.
- 9Attach any required additional information on Part 6 with proper page/part/item numbers.
- 10Scan or photocopy the signed form for electronic filing if needed.
- 11Retain a printed copy for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Print the completed Form G-28I on single‑sided paper.
- 2Gather the handwritten signatures of both attorney and client.
- 3Scan or photocopy the signed form if filing electronically.
- 4Submit the form to the DHS official handling the case (or via the agency’s electronic portal).
- 5Keep the original signed document and a dated copy as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Does not apply to matters conducted within the United States.
- 2Not for attorneys licensed in the United States or accredited representatives.
- 3Not valid for representation before agencies other than USCIS, CBP, or ICE unless otherwise notified.
Field map
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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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The instructions show a draft dated 03/05/2018 and an expiration of 05/31/2021, with the instruction revision noted as 05/23/18; no indication of a newer version is provided.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the instruction revision date reads 05/23/18 (Instructions p.1).
- Fee — Not stated in the official source.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source (Instructions p.4 advises not to mail to that address).
- Signature — confirm handwritten ink signature present; photocopy, fax, or scan of the original is accepted (Instructions p.2).
Quick Facts
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After you file
- 1Store the original signed form and the copy in a secure file for the duration of the case.
- 2Keep the documents for at least the life of the immigration proceeding.
- 3Expect USCIS, CBP, or ICE to send notices to the attorney’s address as indicated.
- 4If an error is discovered, file a corrected Form G-28I with the same DHS official.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — purpose of Form G-28I described as establishing eligibility of an attorney licensed outside the United States.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — who may use Form G-28I: Attorneys Licensed Outside the United States.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — signatures required; stamped or typewritten names not accepted.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — photocopied, faxed, or scanned signatures considered valid for filing.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — client must select Item 1 to have USCIS send original notices to attorney.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — do not provide attorney business mailing address unless it serves as safe mailing address.
- SRCInstructions p.4 — do not mail completed Form G-28I to the address listed.
- SRCForm p.2 — client mailing address fields listed (13.a‑13.d).
- SRCInstructions p.1 — use latest Adobe Reader for viewing and printing forms.
Common confusion points
Do I need to give my business address as attorney?
Instruction says only if it serves as safe mailing address for the application.
→ Verify the address is the one listed on the petition as the safe mailing address.
Can I use a typed name instead of a signature?
Form requires handwritten ink signature; stamped or typewritten not accepted.
→ Check that both signatures are handwritten ink.
Is a faxed copy of the signature acceptable?
Validity of signatures allows photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies.
→ Confirm the copy includes the original handwritten signature.
What if I want USCIS to send notices to my U.S. business address?
Only foreign address is default; U.S. address must be provided in Part 6.
→ Enter the U.S. address in Part 6 if needed.
Do I need to mail the form to the address on page 4?
Address on page 4 is for policy division, not for mailing.
→ Do not mail the form to that address; submit to the appropriate DHS official.
Do I need to include the client’s phone number?
Form includes a field for mobile telephone number, but not mandatory.
→ Leave the field blank if no number; ensure other required fields are complete.
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Questions about USCIS Form G-28I
What is USCIS Form G-28I used for?
This form lets a foreign‑licensed attorney tell USCIS that they will represent a client in a case that is happening outside the United States. Once filed, USCIS will send any notices about the case to the attorney (and a copy to the client) instead of directly to the client.
Who must file USCIS Form G-28I?
Attorneys licensed outside the United States, in good standing in their home country’s courts, must file Form G‑28I when they seek to appear before a DHS official in a matter outside the U.S.
What information does USCIS Form G-28I require?
The form collects the attorney’s identifying information (online account number, email), the client’s full mailing address and contact numbers, the client’s consent to representation, and handwritten signatures of both client and attorney, plus any additional information in Part 6.
How do I complete USCIS Form G-28I?
Type or print all answers in black ink and complete every question, including the client’s mailing address. The client signs and dates the form in black ink, and if under 14 a parent or guardian must sign. The attorney also signs and dates in black ink; a photocopy, fax, or scan of the original handwritten signature is acceptable. Submit the completed form to the appropriate DHS office as instructed.
What happens if USCIS Form G-28I is filed incorrectly?
If the form lacks the required handwritten signatures, DHS will not accept it, and the attorney’s appearance will not be recognized.
Do I need to give my business address as attorney?
Instruction says only if it serves as safe mailing address for the application. Verify the address is the one listed on the petition as the safe mailing address.
Can I use a typed name instead of a signature?
Form requires handwritten ink signature; stamped or typewritten not accepted. Check that both signatures are handwritten ink.
Is a faxed copy of the signature acceptable?
Validity of signatures allows photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies. Confirm the copy includes the original handwritten signature.
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