DOJ Revises Form for Pro Bono Lawyers in Immigration Courts
Published Date: 3/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Justice wants to update the form that lets lawyers sign up to offer free help to people in immigration court. They’re asking for public feedback over the next 60 days to make sure the form is clear and easy to use. This update won’t cost anyone money but aims to make finding free legal help smoother and faster.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
EOIR-56 Form Revised for Clarity
EOIR is revising Form EOIR-56 with non-substantive formatting and textual changes to improve organization, clarity, and readability. The form is used by organizations, private attorneys, and pro bono referral services to apply for inclusion on the List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers and applicants must renew every three years under 8 CFR 1003.61–1003.66.
Online Submission Strongly Encouraged
EOIR strongly encourages applicants to submit Form EOIR-56 electronically through the Pro Bono List Portal; applicants may still download, print, and submit by email or mail. Submitting electronically can avoid printing costs (estimated $0.10 per page) and postage (estimated $0.78 per mailed response) for mailed submissions.
Applicant Time and Cost Estimates
EOIR estimates an average of 241 respondents will complete the form annually, with an average of 30 minutes per response (total annual burden 120.5 hours). EOIR estimates the total annual public cost ranges from $0 to $9,253.48, which includes printing, postage, and an estimated $75 per hour labor cost multiplied by 120.5 hours.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19694, Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority
If you store explosives, you now have to tell your local fire department every year and when you stop storing them. This new rule helps keep firefighters and the public safer by making sure they always know where explosives are stored. It starts on October 26, 2026, and you must keep your notices for five years—no extra fees, just more safety!
2026-19693, Implementing the Safe Explosives Act
The Safe Explosives Act final rule affects businesses and people who handle explosives, making reporting and transport rules clearer and simpler. Starting October 26, 2026, license holders must report key personnel changes but no longer need to verify who accepts deliveries for them. These updates cut red tape without adding new costs, keeping everyone safer and smoother in the explosive world.
2026-16981, Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms
The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.
2026-15458, Civil Money Penalty for Actions in Contempt of an Immigration Judge's Proper Exercise of Authority
This notice of proposed rulemaking ("NPRM") would implement a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA" or "the Act") that authorizes Immigration Judges, under regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, to sanction by civil money penalty any action (or inaction) in contempt of the proper exercise of their authority by certain individuals. The rule would: define the scope of the contempt authority; provide procedures for contempt findings, penalty determinations, and penalty payment; establish an appellate process; and implement oversight of the use of contempt authority. The rule would also make conforming changes to the grounds for practitioner discipline.
2026-13586, Registering NFA Firearms That Fall Out of Government Contract
If you make special firearms for the U.S. Government and your contract ends, you’ll now have a new way to register those guns even if you missed the usual deadline. This change helps manufacturers avoid penalties and keeps everything clear and fair. Comments on this proposal are open until September 4, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-11526, Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04330, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection eComments Requested; Extension of a Previously Approved Collection; Title-Change of Address/Contact Information Form
The Department of Justice is extending and updating a form people use to change their address or contact info with immigration courts. They want your feedback on the form’s usefulness and how easy it is to fill out. Comments are open until May 4, 2026, and this update won’t cost you extra money or time.
Next: 2026-04334, Proposed Information Collection Activity; Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Consumer Education Website and Reports of Serious Injuries and Death
The government wants to keep collecting info for the Child Care and Development Fund’s website and serious injury reports for three more years, with no changes to the rules. This affects all 50 states, DC, and 5 territories that get CCDF money, plus child care providers who must report serious injuries or deaths. Comments are open until May 4, 2026, and the paperwork burden has been updated but won’t cost extra.