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
2026-16981, 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.
2026-11526, 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.
2026-10128, Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas
The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.
2026-09160, Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Starting June 8, 2026, new rules crack down harder on illegal cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales. The government lowered the amount that counts as smuggling from 60,000 to just 10,000 cigarettes and now includes smokeless tobacco in the crackdown. Sellers and distributors must keep better records and report more info, making it tougher to dodge the law and protect honest businesses.
2026-17025, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested Extension of a Previously Approved Collection Title-STOP Match Calculation Worksheet
The Department of Justice (DOJ), Office on Violence Against Women will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
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.