Paying the correct filing fee is a critical step in submitting your U.S. immigration application or petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As of 2026, USCIS has updated the accepted payment methods for many filings, emphasizing electronic payments and modernizing the process. This post explains how to pay your filing fees correctly based on current guidance.
Filing Fees When You File Online
When you submit an application or petition through the USCIS online system, you can pay as part of the online submission process using Pay.gov. Accepted methods include:
- Credit or debit card issued by a U.S. bank (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- Bank account withdrawal (ACH transfer from a U.S. checking or savings account)
Filing Fees When You File by Mail
USCIS is moving toward requiring electronic payment methods even for paper filings. As of October 28, 2025, USCIS now accepts the following for most mailed applications:
- Form G-1450: This form authorizes payment by credit or debit card. Accepted cards must be U.S.-issued and include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Attach the completed form to your paper filing.
- Form G-1650: This new form authorizes ACH debit from a U.S. bank account. Include routing and account information and attach it to your application.
Paper checks and money orders are being phased out and are no longer accepted for most filings. Always check the form instructions and the USCIS website before submitting payment.
Other Payment Policies
- Cash: USCIS does not accept cash for any filing fee payment.
- Fee waivers: If eligible, you may request a fee waiver using Form I-912 and include required documentation.
- Biometric services fees: If a separate biometric fee is required, it must be included in the same payment method used for the primary form.
- Foreign cards: USCIS does not accept cards issued by non-U.S. financial institutions.
Conclusion
To ensure timely processing of your immigration application or petition, follow USCIS’s current payment guidelines. Whether you file online or by mail, use the correct electronic method—credit card, debit card, or ACH bank transfer—to avoid rejections or delays. Refer to the official USCIS Filing Fees page for the most up-to-date requirements.
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REBECCA KROLL is an Associate Attorney at Richards and Jurusik who practices exclusively in U.S. immigration law, focusing on both business and family-based immigration. She assists clients with employment-based visas, marriage and family cases, and the U.S. citizenship process. (Full Bio)
