Form G-28 identifies an eligible attorney or accredited representative appearing in an immigration matter. It does not itself request a green card, work permit, or other benefit, and there is no universal separate G-28 approval timeline that predicts when the underlying case will finish. [1]
A valid appearance must be associated with the case
The governing regulation requires the appropriate appearance form, properly completed and signed authorization, for recognition in the matter. Representation before one component or on one filing does not automatically establish the same appearance for every unrelated agency or proceeding. [1]
Check the client’s identifying information, representative details, signatures, and relevant receipt numbers. A submission under the wrong person or matter can create an association problem. Changing an online account setting is not necessarily the same as filing an authorized appearance.
Immigration-court representation uses its own procedures and forms. Do not assume a USCIS G-28 automatically replaces every court or appeal appearance requirement.
Notice delivery and account visibility
Service and representation rules affect communications with the attorney or accredited representative. The form’s notice and document-delivery choices should be reviewed with the client. Failure to see a case instantly in a representative’s account does not, by itself, establish that the benefit application was denied. [2]
Conversely, a new appearance should not be assumed effective merely because a package was mailed. Confirm receipt and association through available official channels, particularly where an evidence or appeal deadline is near.
Example: a new lawyer enters a pending case
The new representative should identify the existing matter and follow the applicable substitution or appearance process. The client should explain whether the previous representative withdrew and provide relevant notices. Duplicate or inconsistent submissions can complicate communication rather than speed a merits decision.
Keep the signed form, filing evidence, representative agreement, and agency correspondence. Clarify who monitors mail and who is responsible for responding while association is being checked.
Troubleshoot the right issue
Ask whether the problem is account linking, an unrecognized appearance, an incorrect receipt, notice delivery, or a delayed benefit decision. Those concerns may require different official inquiries. A G-28 does not automatically restart a processing clock, create premium-processing eligibility, or extend an existing deadline.
If a notice arrives during the transition, preserve and share it promptly. The practical objective is accurate representation and reliable communications, not obtaining a supposed independent G-28 approval date that substitutes for the underlying case’s requirements.
Use the correct USCIS inquiry channel for the actual problem. An invalid identifier requires receipt-number troubleshooting.
Primary sources
Sources checked: October 31, 2026.