USCIS Modernizes Fee Payments with Electronic Funds
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant update to how immigration filing fees may be paid. Effective August 29, 2025, USCIS began requiring applicants and petitioners to submit filing fees through direct electronic debit from a U.S. bank account, reflecting the agency’s broader effort to modernize payment processing.
This update is part of a federal initiative focused on improving efficiency, transaction security, and reliability in government payment systems.
What Changed?
USCIS introduced Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, allowing filing and service fees to be paid through Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit directly from a U.S. bank account.
Applicants may submit Form G-1650 or Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) together with an application, petition, or request to authorize electronic payment of the required filing fees.
Why USCIS Implemented the Change
The update aligns with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account, and addresses longstanding inefficiencies associated with paper-based fee processing.
According to USCIS, more than 90% of filing fees had previously been submitted by paper check or money order, contributing to:
- Processing delays;
- Increased administrative burdens; and
- Greater risk of fraud, lost payments, or theft.
By expanding ACH debit payment options, USCIS aims to streamline operations while improving payment reliability and security for both applicants and the agency.
Current USCIS Payment Options
USCIS currently accepts the following payment methods:
- ACH debit payments using Form G-1650 for qualifying U.S. bank accounts; and
- Credit card payments using Form G-1450, provided the card is issued by a U.S. financial institution.
After October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts paper checks or money orders for applicable filings. Electronic payment methods are now required.
Important Considerations for Applicants
Applicants and petitioners should keep several important points in mind when submitting filing fees electronically:
- Both ACH and credit card payments require access to a U.S.-based financial institution;
- Credit cards must be issued by a U.S. bank;
- Applications, petitions, or requests may be rejected if payment is declined because of insufficient funds or credit limitations; and
- USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to recognize ACH debit transactions as an approved payment method.
Carefully reviewing payment information and confirming sufficient account funds before filing may help reduce avoidable delays or rejections.
Understanding the Updated Filing Requirements
Operational updates from USCIS, including payment procedure changes, can affect filing timelines and application processing. Applicants should review current payment requirements carefully before submitting immigration forms or supporting documentation.
For additional guidance regarding USCIS filing procedures, contact the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by phone at 630-262-1435 or by email at jacki@lentinivisas.com.
