U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially ended the use of checks and money orders for immigration filing fees. As of October 28, 2025, all applicants and petitioners must use electronic payment methods. This change is part of USCIS’s effort to modernize payment processing, reduce fraud, and speed up application handling. If you’re submitting any application or petition to USCIS, make sure you understand the current fee payment methods before filing.
Table of Contents
- Why USCIS Changed Payment Methods
- Current Payment Options
- Required Payment Authorization Forms
- Tips to Avoid Payment Rejections
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why USCIS Changed Payment Methods
USCIS processed more than 90% of payments using paper checks and money orders, which led to delays, lost payments, and fraud risks. To streamline operations, USCIS now accepts only digital payments.
This update supports Executive Order 14247, which aims to modernize how government agencies accept payments.
2. Current Payment Options
Effective immediately, applicants can pay USCIS fees using one of the following two options:
| Payment Method | Form Required | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| ACH Debit (from U.S. Bank Account) | Form G-1650 | Must have a U.S. bank account |
| Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, Discover) | Form G-1450 | Prepaid credit cards are also accepted |
Important: USCIS no longer accepts checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks for fee payments.
3. Required Payment Authorization Forms
Form G-1650 – ACH Debit Authorization
- Used to pay directly from a U.S. checking or savings account
- Must be submitted along with your application
- Ensure your bank account has sufficient funds
Form G-1450 – Credit Card Authorization
- Used to pay with credit or prepaid debit cards
- Include this form with your application package
- Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
4. Tips to Avoid Payment Rejections
- Double-check the form version and instructions before filing
- Ensure all payment details are correct and legible
- Do not submit both forms for the same application
- Ensure sufficient balance or credit limit to avoid failed transactions
5. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still send a check if I mail my application from outside the U.S.? No. As of October 28, 2025, USCIS does not accept checks from any location.
- Can I use a money order or a cashier’s check? No. These forms of payment are no longer accepted. Use ACH or credit card only.
- What if I do not have a U.S. bank account? You can still pay with a credit card by submitting Form G-1450. Prepaid credit cards are allowed.
- What happens if my payment fails? USCIS may reject your application or petition if the payment is declined. Always verify that your account or card has enough funds before submitting your application.
To avoid delays or rejections, always use the correct payment method and form when submitting your immigration application. Paper checks and money orders are no longer an option. Plan ahead and follow the updated USCIS guidelines to ensure your payment is accepted.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Sources
- USCIS Newsroom – Aug. 29, 2025
- Form G-1650 – ACH Authorization
- Form G-1450 – Credit Card Authorization
We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding filing fees for your visa application, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
