When submitting a petition or application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it is crucial to adhere to their guidelines regarding filing fees, including using acceptable payment methods. Recently, USCIS modernized its payment process, expanding electronic payment options and setting a deadline for phasing out paper-based methods. Importantly, USCIS continues to require that each filing fee be paid separately.
Accepted Forms of Payment by USCIS
For the payment of filing fees, USCIS now accepts:
- ACH Bank Debit (Form G-1650): Pay directly from a U.S. bank account by completing and signing Form G-1650 and filing it with your application, petition, or request.[1], [2]
- Credit/Debit/Prepaid Cards (Form G-1450): Pay by card by submitting Form G-1450 with your filing (for lockbox/service center and most field office filings).[3]
- Paper Checks and Money Orders: USCIS will accept checks and money orders only until October 28, 2025. After that date, use ACH debit (Form G-1650) or a card (Form G-1450) instead.[1]
Each of these payment methods ensures that your application complies with USCIS requirements, but it’s essential to ensure they are correctly filled out and submitted.
Paying USCIS Filing Fees by ACH Debit
USCIS now allows applicants to pay directly from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Debit. This secure method ensures faster processing and reduces risks associated with lost of stolen checks. Applicants must ensure sufficient funds are available, as insufficient funds may result in rejection of the filing.
Paying USCIS Filing Fees by Check or Money Order
For now, applicants may still pay by check (personal or cashier’s) or money order, made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Include the correct amount and, when possible, your USCIS case number. However, these payment methods will no longer be accepted after October 28, 2025.
Paying USCIS Filing Fees by Credit Card
To pay by credit card, fill out Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, and attach it to your application or petition. This allows USCIS to charge the filing fee(s) directly to your credit card. Prepaid debit cards may also be used with this method.
Refund Policy for Filing and Biometric Fees
It’s important to note that once your application or petition is filed with USCIS, the associated filing and biometric fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome or if you choose to withdraw your case. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the benefit you are requesting before filing.
Requirement for Separate Payments
USCIS now requires that each filing fee be paid separately. This is part of USCIS’s move towards more efficient, electronic processing of cases. Submitting a single, combined payment for multiple forms could lead to the rejection of your entire package. To avoid any issues, provide a separate payment for each required filing fee. USCIS requires that each filing fee be paid separately. Submitting a single combined payment for multiple forms may lead to rejection of your entire package. To avoid delays, provide a separate payment for each required fee, whether using ACH debit, credit card, or (temporarily) check/money order.
Conclusion
Adhering to USCIS’s filing fee payment guidelines is essential for the smooth processing of your application or petition. With the phase out of paper checks and money orders by October 28, 2025, applicants should transition now to ACH debit (Form G-1650) or credit card (Form G-1450). Following these updated procedures helps avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
How do I pay USCIS filing fees by check?
How do I pay USCIS filing fees by credit card?
Read the full USCIS Policy Here
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JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
