Retainers, G-28 Forms, and Scope of Work: What Your Agreement Should Say

Hiring an immigration lawyer involves more than paying a fee. You should know exactly what the lawyer will handle and when the work ends.

The Best Immigration lawyers in Chicago should give clients clear terms before major work begins. A written agreement can help prevent confusion about fees, filings, interviews, and later government requests.

Before signing, read the scope of work as carefully as the price.

What an Immigration Retainer Agreement Should Explain

A retainer or legal services agreement sets the terms between you and your lawyer.

It should identify the immigration matter the attorney is handling. For example, it may cover a family petition, adjustment of status case, work visa, naturalization filing, or another matter.

The agreement should also explain the fee structure.

Look for answers to basic questions. Is the legal fee fixed or billed by the hour? Are USCIS filing fees included? Will you pay extra for translations, records, mailing, or expert help?

Do not assume a quoted legal fee includes every future step.

Check Where the Representation Ends

The scope section may be the most important part of the agreement.

Some agreements cover preparing and filing the main application only. Others may include case tracking, an interview, or responses to routine notices.

Ask whether the fee covers a Request for Evidence, often called an RFE. Check whether it includes a Notice of Intent to Deny, interview preparation, or attendance at an interview.

Appeals and motions are often treated as separate matters.

Your agreement should make these limits easy to understand.

What Form G-28 Actually Does

USCIS Form G-28 is called the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative.

It tells USCIS that an attorney or approved representative is appearing for you in a certain immigration matter.

When a valid G-28 is filed, USCIS can communicate with your legal representative about that case.

A G-28 is important, but it is not the same as your retainer agreement.

The G-28 shows representation before USCIS. Your written agreement explains what work the attorney has agreed to perform and what you must pay.

Make sure the correct G-28 is filed for each matter that requires one.

Read the Refund Policy Before Paying

Clients should understand what happens if the case ends early or the lawyer does not complete all planned work.

The agreement should explain how fees are earned and whether any unused amount may be returned.

Do not assume every payment is refundable. Do not assume every payment is nonrefundable either.

Fee rules can depend on the type of payment and the terms of the agreement.

Ask when each part of the fee becomes earned. If you end the attorney-client relationship, ask how the final balance will be calculated.

Clear terms are easier to deal with than a fee dispute after the case changes.

Ask Who Will Handle Your Case

Your agreement should also make clear who may work on your matter.

A law firm may use attorneys, paralegals, and support staff for different tasks.

Ask who will answer legal questions. Find out who will prepare filings and who will attend interviews when attendance is part of the service.

You should also know how case updates will be shared.

Know What “Case Completion” Means

Immigration cases can have several stages.

A petition approval may not mean the entire immigration process is finished. Some clients later need visa processing, adjustment of status, removal of conditions, or another filing.

Your retainer should state the event that ends the lawyer’s work.

Before signing, ask one simple question: “What exact step marks the end of your representation?”

A clear answer can prevent surprises later.

When choosing a Chicago immigration lawyer, focus on more than the total fee. Review the G-28 process, refund terms, added costs, and full scope of work.

A clear agreement helps both you and your attorney know what to expect from the first filing through the agreed final step.