Read the form as a communication decision
Hiring someone and telling USCIS who may act for you are related but separate steps. Form G-28 records the appearance of an eligible attorney or accredited representative and your consent. It also contains delivery choices that can affect who receives an appointment notice, an approval with an I-94 or a secure identity document.
A document preparer or translator does not become an authorised legal representative simply by helping with paperwork. Ask who is actually appearing in the case, verify their authority independently and read the completed form before you sign. Original Documentation’s educational and document-organisation support does not itself establish legal representation.
Use the current form and the correct case
At this October 13 check, USCIS’s Form G-28 page lists the 09/17/18 edition. Recheck that page when filing and keep all pages from the same edition. The representative should identify the relevant agency and matter, and review the form’s eligibility and contact fields. Do not assume one old G-28 covers every later filing.
Separate three delivery choices
Part 4 distinguishes original notices, secure identity or travel documents, and notices containing Form I-94. Item 1.a requests original notices at the representative’s business address. Item 1.b requests secure documents there, subject to the form’s address rules. Item 1.c allows a client to request the I-94-containing notice directly when notices otherwise go to the representative.
These elections should reflect a deliberate agreement. Discuss who opens mail, who records deadlines and how the other person receives a copy. An electronic case alert is useful, but it is not a substitute for reading the complete notice and retaining any status document attached to it.
Consent requires signatures and accurate addresses
Both the client and the attorney or accredited representative sign in the relevant sections. The instructions address permitted parent or guardian signatures in specified circumstances; they are not permission for any helper to sign for the applicant. Review the client address separately from the representative’s business address, especially where a protected safe-mailing arrangement is involved.
- Save the complete signed G-28, not just its signature page.
- Match it to the application or petition it accompanies.
- Write down the agreed delivery route for each type of notice or document.
Changing representatives does not withdraw the application
USCIS says representation may be withdrawn by written notice to the office where the case is pending. A valid appearance by a new representative terminates the earlier G-28 representation upon receipt. This concerns representation; withdrawing an underlying application is a different action. Coordinate notice delivery and outstanding deadlines during the handover rather than assuming the record updates instantly.
One household example
A worker wants an approval notice with its I-94 at home, while the lawyer monitors other notices. They review Part 4 together, select the appropriate elections and keep the signed copy. A later move prompts another review. The form creates a documented communication plan; it does not guarantee that every mailing will arrive or remove the need to follow the case.