Form G-28 attorney change Feb 12, 2025 10 min

Form G-28: How to Change Your Attorney Without Damaging Your Case

Abogado Manuel Solis

Abogado Manuel Solís

Founder & Lead Attorney

Policía negando firma visa u

Quick Summary

Feeling stuck with an attorney who does not respond or a notary who is not moving your case forward? Form G-28 allows you to officially notify USCIS when you change representatives—without harming your immigration process.

"If I change attorneys, will my case be denied?"

Many immigrants stay with ineffective representation out of fear of damaging their case.

The truth is that the law protects your right to change attorneys at any time, and Form G-28 is the official tool to do it correctly.

What Is Form G-28?

The official document that authorizes an attorney to represent you before USCIS.

Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, informs USCIS who your current legal representative is.

  • Allows USCIS to send notices to your new attorney.
  • Automatically removes the prior attorney from representation.
  • Protects your right to proper legal representation.

Filing a new G-28 does not trigger penalties or automatic delays.

Why Is Filing a New G-28 Important?

When you change attorneys, USCIS must know who is authorized to receive information and act on your behalf.

Case ControlYour new attorney can review and correct mistakes.
Secure NotificationsPrevents missed appointments or important letters.
TransparencyClearly defines who represents you.
Legal ProtectionPrevents unauthorized individuals from acting for you.

Without an updated G-28, you risk missing critical USCIS communications.

How to Change Attorneys Step by Step

Safe Process

  • Hire and retain your new attorney.
  • Request a copy of your case file (if possible).
  • Sign the new Form G-28.
  • Allow your new attorney to file it with USCIS.
You do not need permission from your previous attorney to make the change.

What Happens After Filing Form G-28

After Filing

Once Form G-28 is submitted, USCIS updates its system and officially recognizes your new attorney. All future notices will be sent to the new legal office.

Real Cases: Changing Attorneys Made the Difference

Client with Pending U Visa

February 5, 2025

"I thought switching attorneys would hurt my case, but it actually saved it."

After the change, the following was achieved:

Correction of case errors
Submission of missing evidence
Direct communication with USCIS
Real progress in the case

Does USCIS penalize you for changing attorneys?

No. Changing attorneys is your right as a client and does not negatively affect your case.

Do I lose my place in line?

No. Your priority date and case timeline remain the same.

  • There is no automatic case cancellation.
  • There is no automatic fraud suspicion.
  • Your process does not restart because you changed attorneys.

The real risk is not changing attorneys—it is staying with poor representation.

Conclusion

Form G-28 exists to protect your right to choose proper legal representation. Changing attorneys when necessary can strengthen your case rather than harm it.

Your immigration case is too important to leave in the wrong hands. Getting informed and acting in time can make all the difference.

Consult with an Attorney Now

Sources Cited

  • USCIS – Form G-28: Notice of Entry of Appearance
  • USCIS – Working with an Attorney or Accredited Representative
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – Client Rights
  • Federal Trade Commission – Immigration Services Scams and Notarios