Guide to Paying USCIS Filing Fees by Check

Filing petitions or applications with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires not only the correct documentation but also the appropriate payment of filing fees. It’s crucial to understand the accepted forms of payment and the correct method of submitting these fees to ensure your application is processed without delays. Below is a guide on how to properly pay USCIS filing fees by check.

Acceptable Forms of Payment by Check

USCIS accepts various forms of checks for fee payment, including bank drafts, cashier’s checks, certified checks, personal checks, and money orders. These must be drawn from U.S. financial institutions and payable in U.S. funds. When opting to pay fees by check, there are important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization: By submitting a check to USCIS, you authorize the conversion of your check into an electronic fund transfer. USCIS will use your check’s account information to electronically withdraw the designated amount from your account. Should technical issues arise, USCIS is authorized to process the check through traditional paper methods.
2. Handling of Insufficient Funds: Electronic fund transfers occur faster than paper checks. If your check or other financial instrument is returned due to insufficient funds, USCIS will attempt to resubmit the payment once. If it is returned a second time, your filing will be rejected.
3. Check Validity: Checks dated beyond 365 days prior to submission will result in the rejection of your filing.

How to Properly Write a Check to USCIS

To ensure your check is processed correctly by USCIS, follow these guidelines:

• Ensure your check is pre-printed with your name and bank’s name. Your address and phone number should also be included.
• Date the check in the U.S. format (month/day/year).
• On the “Pay to the Order of” line, write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.
• Clearly write the exact dollar amount in numerals and spell it out in words.
• Include a description of the payment purpose (e.g., “N-400 application and biometric services fee”) and the applicant’s name in the memo section.
• Sign the check in ink.

Paying Each Filing Fee Separately

Due to USCIS’s transition to electronic processing, each filing fee must be paid separately. Combining payments for multiple forms in a single check can result in the rejection of your entire package.

Properly paying your USCIS filing fees by check is a critical step in ensuring the smooth processing of your immigration application or petition. Adhering to these guidelines will help avoid unnecessary delays or rejections due to payment issues.