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I-589 G-28

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I-589 / G-28 Application and Notice of Entry of Appearance

This Application for Asylum and Notice of Entry of Appearance is submitted by Applicant Name: (Applicant) and Representative Name: (Representative/Attorney), each identified below, for the purposes set forth herein.

Recitals

WHEREAS, Applicant seeks relief by filing an Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal under applicable immigration law and regulations; and

WHEREAS, Representative is an attorney or accredited representative authorized and qualified to appear on Applicant's behalf before immigration authorities and to receive correspondence and notices related to Applicant's proceedings; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth the appointment, scope of representation, authorizations, and certifications necessary for filing Form I-589 and for Representative to enter an appearance on Form G-28.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants below, the parties agree as follows:

1. Appointment and Scope of Representation

1.1 Applicant hereby appoints Representative to prepare, sign where permitted, file, and pursue the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal (Form I-589) and to enter an appearance on Applicant's behalf by filing a Notice of Entry of Appearance (Form G-28). Representative is authorized to take all actions reasonably necessary to represent Applicant in connection with the I-589 application, including appearing at interviews and hearings, receiving notices and decisions, preparing submissions, and communicating with immigration authorities.

1.2 Representative is authorized to receive copies of all notices, decisions, requests for evidence, appointments, and correspondence relating to Applicant's I-589 application and related immigration matters and to accept service on behalf of Applicant as permitted by applicable rules.

2. Applicant Declarations and Authorizations

2.1 Applicant certifies that the information provided in the I-589 application and in any supporting documents is true, complete, and correct to the best of Applicant's knowledge and belief. Applicant understands that knowingly submitting materially false information may subject Applicant to penalties, including denial of relief and immigration consequences.

2.2 Applicant authorizes Representative to obtain Applicant's immigration records, counsel with third parties and experts, and take other actions necessary to prepare and prosecute the application. Applicant authorizes the release of relevant records and documents to Representative for use in connection with the application.

3. Fees and Costs

3.1 Representative and Applicant agree that fees for legal services, costs for translations, expert reports, and other expenses will be agreed separately in writing. Applicant remains responsible for timely payment of agreed fees and costs unless otherwise stated in a separate fee agreement.

4. Notices

4.1 All notices, requests, and correspondence to Applicant should be directed to Applicant's mailing address and to Representative at the address provided in this form. Service upon Representative at the address provided constitutes service upon Applicant to the extent allowed by applicable rules.

5. Withdrawal or Termination of Representation

5.1 Representative may withdraw from representation only in accordance with applicable rules and after giving Applicant reasonable notice. If Representative withdraws, Representative will take reasonable steps to protect Applicant's interests, including giving reasonable notice, returning papers and property, and complying with applicable rules for withdrawal.

6. Governing Law; Entire Agreement; Severability

6.1 This Agreement shall be governed by the laws and rules applicable to immigration proceedings and the practice of law governing the representation of noncitizens.

6.2 This document, together with any separate fee agreement signed by the parties, constitutes the entire agreement with respect to representation for the I-589 application and supersedes all prior agreements, whether written or oral.

6.3 If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Application Information (I-589)

Month: Day: Year:

Month: Day: Year:

Race   Religion   Nationality   Membership in a Particular Social Group   Political Opinion

Notice of Entry of Appearance (G-28) — Representative Information

Representative certifies that the undersigned is authorized to practice before immigration authorities or is an accredited representative authorized to practice before immigration authorities, and that the representation is accepted in accordance with applicable professional responsibilities. Representative agrees to maintain communication with Applicant regarding case status and to forward all official correspondence promptly.

Certifications and Signature Authorization

Applicant declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of Applicant's knowledge. Applicant consents to Representative's entry of appearance and to the release of records and correspondence to Representative as described above.

Applicant:

By:

Date:

Representative / Attorney:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the I-589 and G-28 Are and How They Work Together

The I-589 is the Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal; the G-28 is the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative. When an applicant files an I-589, submitting a completed G-28 notifies USCIS or the immigration court that a lawyer or accredited representative will act on the applicant’s behalf. A properly completed G-28 directs official communications to counsel or the recognized representative, updates case contact details, and documents the scope of representation. Federal agencies use the G-28 to ensure notices and decisions reach the authorized representative listed on file.

Why Attach a G-28 to an I-589

Filing a G-28 with an I-589 centralizes case communications, establishes counsel as the official recipient of notices, and documents authority to receive confidential correspondence. That reduces the risk of missed deadlines and helps preserve procedural rights during adjudication before USCIS or EOIR.

Why Attach a G-28 to an I-589

Who Completes and Benefits from the I-589 G-28

The G-28 is completed when counsel or an accredited representative accepts an asylum case and the applicant signs to acknowledge representation.

  • Attorneys and accredited reps — Enter BAR number or DOJ accreditation details and provide office contact information for official notices.
  • Asylum applicants — Sign or consent to the G-28 to authorize counsel and confirm contact preferences for case notices.
  • Immigration clinics and nonprofits — Use the G-28 to document authorized representatives and to centralize correspondence for case management.

Accurate completion benefits applicants, counsel, and adjudicators by clarifying contact responsibilities and reducing administrative errors.

Required Core Information on the G-28

Applicant Name: Full legal name as on ID
A-Number: USCIS A-number if available
Representative Info: Name, firm, bar/accreditation number
Contact Details: Mailing address, email, phone
Scope of Authority: Limited or full representation
Signature and Date: Applicant and representative dated

Risks of Incorrect or Missing G-28 Information

Missed Notices: Delays in receiving decisions
Invalid Representation: Rejected or not-recognized counsel
Address Errors: Returned mail or misdirected notices
Untimely Updates: Failure to notify of counsel changes
Signature Problems: Unsigned forms not accepted
Confidentiality Risks: Unauthorized disclosure of records

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using an informal or abbreviated name for the applicant that does not match government ID, which can cause mismatches in USCIS records and slow adjudication.
  • Failing to include the representative’s accreditation or bar number, leaving adjudicators unable to confirm authority to represent the applicant in immigration proceedings.
  • Not updating the G-28 promptly after counsel withdrawal or substitution, which can cause notices to be sent to former counsel and create deadline issues.
  • Attaching a G-28 to the wrong filing copy or failing to submit it with the initial I-589 when counsel will act from the outset, increasing administrative follow-ups.

Step-by-step: Completing and Submitting a G-28 with an I-589

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a compliant G-28 and attach it to an I-589 when filing with USCIS or EOIR.

  • 01
    Prepare the I-589: Complete all required I-589 sections before attaching G-28
  • 02
    Complete the G-28: Enter representative and applicant details; obtain signatures
  • 03
    Attach to Filing: Include G-28 with the I-589 submission or submit to EOIR as required
  • 04
    Keep Records: Retain copies and proof of delivery for both documents

Where to Send the Completed I-589 and G-28

Routing depends on whether the case is in affirmative (USCIS) or defensive (immigration court) posture; use the agency-specific filing procedure for each venue.

  • USCIS Filing: Mail to the USCIS address listed for I-589 filings
  • Immigration Court: File G-28 with EOIR where removal proceedings are pending
  • Electronic Options: Follow USCIS or court e-filing guidance where available
  • Proof of Delivery: Use certified or tracked delivery for records

Configuring an Online I-589 + G-28 Workflow

Set up fields, signer flows, and authentication rules to match the G-28 and I-589 requirements when completing forms online.

Field Online configuration
Representative Name Auto-fill from trusted template
Bar/Accreditation Number Required validation field
Applicant Contact Email + phone verification
Signature Field eSign with audit trail enabled

Digital Signing and Submission: Platform Considerations

Choose an eSignature workflow that supports audit trails, required authentication, and document export in court-acceptable formats.

  • Supported Formats: PDF and DOCX accepted
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger 2FA
  • Integrations: Works with cloud storage and case management

Timing and Deadlines to Watch for When Filing

Certain timing rules affect asylum filings and representation notices; ensure G-28 and I-589 are submitted according to venue-specific guidance to avoid procedural issues.

I-589 One-Year Rule:

I-589 generally filed within one year of arrival; statutory exceptions may apply

File With Initial Submission:

Attach G-28 when counsel assumes representation to record counsel contact

Update Promptly:

Submit new G-28 on counsel change to avoid misdirected notices

Hearing Notice Delivery:

Ensure representation details before any scheduled EOIR hearing

Keep Copies:

Retain delivery receipts and copies of all filings

Key Components of a Compliant I-589 G-28 Package

A professional filing bundles accurate applicant and representative information, clear authority language, signature evidence, and appropriate filing instructions to the correct agency or court.

Representative Details

Include full name, firm, mailing address, phone, email, and professional identification such as a BAR number or DOJ accreditation code to allow agency verification.

Applicant Identification

Provide the applicant’s full legal name, birth date, country of birth, and A-number if known to match agency records without ambiguity.

Scope of Representation

Specify whether representation is limited to the I-589 matter or extends to related correspondence and appeals to avoid disputes over authority.

Consent and Signature

Obtain the applicant’s signature and date; representative signature certifies acceptance and contact details for official communications.

Attachment Checklist

Include the G-28 with the I-589, supporting evidence, translations, and any required filing fee documentation or fee-exemption statements.

Filing Instructions

Clearly mark copies for the agency or court and retain proof of mailing or electronic submission for the case file and client records.

Representative Use Cases for Filing a G-28 with an I-589

Two common scenarios illustrate why a clear G-28 is important when counsel represents asylum applicants.

Clinic Intake Scenario

An immigrant assistance clinic prepares an I-589 for a newly arrived applicant and assigns an accredited rep to manage correspondence.

  • The clinic attaches a G-28 with full contact details and accreditation number.
  • With the G-28 on file, the clinic receives hearing notices and RFE requests directly, reducing missed deadlines and ensuring timely response coordination.

Private Counsel Intake

A private attorney takes on a complex asylum case requiring medical affidavits and translations.

  • The attorney files a signed G-28 with the I-589 and logs delivery receipts.
  • Centralizing communication through the G-28 allowed the attorney to receive all USCIS correspondence, coordinate expert evidence, and track case milestones efficiently.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient G-28 Completion

Apply consistent quality checks and use tools that preserve signatures and audit trails to reduce errors and administrative burden.

Verify Names and IDs
Cross-check applicant and representative names against government-issued identification and bar/accreditation records before filing to prevent record mismatches and processing delays.
Document Authority Changes
File an updated G-28 immediately when counsel withdraws or new counsel assumes representation to avoid notices being sent to incorrect parties.
Use eSignature with Audit Trails
Where permitted, use eSignature solutions that capture timestamps, IP addresses, and signer authentication to document execution and reduce physical handling.
Retain Proof of Filing
Keep certified mail receipts, delivery confirmations, and electronic submission logs to support later requests or disputes about timely filing.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for I-589 G-28 Workflows

Compare vendor starting prices and key capabilities relevant to completing and storing I-589 and G-28 documents. signNow is listed first per the comparison convention.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

FAQs and Troubleshooting for the I-589 G-28

Answers to common questions about representation notices, e-signatures, and procedural issues when filing an I-589 with a G-28.


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