Published October 31, 2025
USCIS is modernizing the way it accepts payment for filing fees. According to USCIS these updates aim to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of lost or fraudulent payments. This initiative also aligns with Executive Order 14247, "Modernizing Payments to and from America's Bank Account" signed by President Trump on March 25, 2025.
What's New: Payment by Electronic Debit
Starting August 29, 2025, you can pay your USCIS fees by directly debiting a U.S. bank account (checking or savings account). This new method, known as an ACH transaction, is said to be more efficient than traditional paper checks and money orders.
To use this option, you will need to complete and sign Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, and submit it with your application or petition. This change is part of a broader effort to modernize the payment process and to reduce the delays that can come with processing traditional paper payments.
Important Deadlines for Payment Methods
USCIS currently accepts several forms of payment, but that is about to change. USCIS is phasing out paper payments. So be aware of the below important dates:
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Until October 28, 2025: USCIS will continue to accept paper checks and money orders, in addition to electronic payments made by credit card (Form G-1450) and the new ACH debit option (Form G-1650).
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After October 28, 2025: USCIS will only accept electronic payments. You must use either Form G-1650 for an ACH debit or existing Form G-1450 for a credit card payment or prepaid card payment.
Important Payment Considerations
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Sufficient Funds: You must ensure that your bank account or credit card limit has enough funds to cover all filing fees. USCIS may reject your application if a transaction is denied.
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U.S. Bank Account: The new ACH debit option (Form G-1650) requires a U.S. bank account.
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ACH Debit Block: If your bank account has an ACH debit block, you must contact your bank to authorize the Department of Homeland Security to debit funds. You will need to provide them with the USCIS Agency Location Codes (ALC+2) listed in the Form G-1650 instructions.
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Credit Card Option: If you do not have a U.S. bank account, you can still use a credit or prepaid credit card by submitting Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions (see Form G-1450).
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Credit Card Requirement: The credit card you use with Form G-1450 must be issued by a U.S. bank. USCIS cannot accept credit cards issued by foreign banks.
Important: Remember to Place Your Payment on Top of Your Application, Petition or Filing Package
To ensure your application is processed correctly, you must place your completed and signed payment form—either Form G-1650 or Form G-1450—on top of your application or petition when you submit it.
What This Means For You
This payment modernization is a strategic move by USCIS to update its payment methods and streamline immigration processing moving forward. It's important to remember that after October 28, 2025, USCIS will only accept electronic payments, completely phasing out paper checks and money orders.
If you have any questions about this policy change or need assistance with your application, please do not hesitate to contact our office at Contact Us Today. We are here to help.
