An immigration filing instrument identified by a designated form number used to request a benefit, relief, or administrative action. It governs the data fields, attestations, and supporting documents required to initiate processing of the requested action. It does not by itself confer status, permission, or protection and is ineffective if required signatures, fees, or evidence are missing. It structures the administrative record and determines what issues are presented for adjudication. The instrument is generally stable, though form content and instructions are updated over time.

Principle

Create a clear, public designation of counsel so the immigration court, opposing parties, and the respondent know who is authorized to receive filings and to appear on the respondent's behalf.

Demonstration

An attorney represents a respondent in removal proceedings, completes EOIR-27 with the respondent's information and the attorney's bar or accreditation details, signs it, and files it with the Immigration Court so future hearing notices and orders are served to counsel.

Misapplication

Filing EOIR-27 without the respondent's explicit consent, submitting it to the Board of Immigration Appeals instead of the Immigration Court, or using it to attempt to substitute counsel retroactively after an adverse decision.

Consequence

When properly filed, the court recognizes the attorney as counsel of record, service of notices and orders will go to counsel, and counsel receives official communications necessary to prepare for hearings and appeals.

Reversal

When no EOIR-27 is filed, the respondent is treated as pro se or service is sent only to the respondent; the court may not treat an unfiled or improperly filed document as a valid appearance by counsel.

Boundary

Applies specifically to EOIR-managed Immigration Court proceedings; it does not substitute for EOIR-28 (Board appearances), USCIS notices, nor does it by itself confer authorization to practice outside the EOIR context.

Semantic Tension

Can be confused with EOIR-28 (entry of appearance before the Board) or with informal letters of representation; the tension lies between procedural recognition by the court and substantive authorization to act on related non-EOIR administrative matters.

Synthesis

Form EOIR-27 is the procedural instrument that formally notifies an Immigration Court and the parties which attorney or accredited representative will act on a respondent's behalf, establishing service routing and case-management authority for that forum.