USCIS to Modernize Fee Payments

By: Navdeep Meamber

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now allow applicants to pay filing fees directly from a U.S. bank account through electronic debit. Effective immediately, applicants can make transactions directly to USCIS by completing and signing Form G-1650, Authorization for Automated Clearing House (ACH) Transactions, and submitting it with their application, petition, or request. In addition to the existing options of paying fees by credit card using Form G-1450, paper check and money order, individuals may now use the new ACH debit payment option, giving them multiple ways to pay required USCIS fees.

USCIS will continue to accept paper check and money order payments until October 28, 2025, but after that date, USCIS will only accept ACH debit transactions using Form G-1650 or credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

According to USCIS spokesperson Matthew J. Tragesser, more than 90% of USCIS payments currently come by check or money order, which causes processing delays and security risks. This new change is part of a federal effort (Executive Order 14247) to modernize payments and reduce time and effort needed to process payments. It is also in effort to cut risks of fraud, lost payments, and theft.

If an applicant does not have a U.S. bank account, they are not able to use Form G-1650, but they may submit Form G-1450 and use prepaid credit cards to pay filing fees. Applicants should make sure their bank account has enough funds to cover the fees. If payment is denied, USCIS may reject the entire application or petition.

For any questions or assistance, please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.