Starting October 29, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept paper checks for immigration benefit fees. The change is part of the agency’s move to modernize fee collection and reduce processing delays. This post explains what this change means for you, what forms to use instead, and how to correctly pay your USCIS fees electronically using Form G-1650 (ACH) or Form G-1450 (credit card).
Why USCIS Is Ending Paper Check Payments
USCIS has announced that it will permanently stop accepting personal checks, cashier's checks, and money orders as of October 28, 2025. This change affects anyone submitting immigration forms by mail.
The agency cites several reasons:
- Reduce payment processing errors
- Improve security of personal information
- Shorten overall case processing times
By using electronic payment methods, USCIS believes it can process applications faster and more reliably.
Acceptable Payment Methods After October 28, 2025
After this date, USCIS will only accept electronic forms of payment. If you are mailing a paper application, you must include one of the following:
1. Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Payment
- Authorizes USCIS to withdraw the payment directly from your U.S. bank account.
- Requires routing number and bank account number.
- Works like a digital check.
2. Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions
- Authorizes payment via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.
- Include your card number, expiration date, and billing address.
If your mailed application or petition requires payment of a USCIS filing fee, you must include one of these forms.
Important: Do not send a paper check, money order, or cashier's check that will arrive at USCIS after October 28, 2025. It will be rejected.
How to Use Form G-1650 (ACH Payment)
Form G-1650 allows USCIS to withdraw your fee from a checking or savings account using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system.
Steps to Complete Form G-1650:
- Enter your full name, address, and contact information.
- Provide your bank routing number and account number.
- Check the appropriate box for account type (checking or savings).
- Sign and date the form.
- Include it on top of your application package.
Tips
- Double-check bank details to avoid processing delays.
- You can find routing/account numbers on your check or bank statement.
- Make sure your bank account has enough funds. USCIS will only make one withdrawal attempt.
- If you have a debit block on your account, you must contact your bank and provide all the ACH transaction codes before the transaction.
How to Use Form G-1450 (Credit Card Payment)
Form G-1450 lets you pay your USCIS fees using a credit card.
Steps to Complete Form G-1450:
- Enter your full name and billing address.
- Provide your credit card number, expiration date, and CVV.
- Select your card type.
- Authorize the transaction by signing the form.
- Place it on top of your USCIS form package.
Tips
- Use a valid U.S.-based billing address.
- Make sure you have enough credit available to make the payment.
Multiple or Combined Applications
You need to pay each filing fee separately for every form you file. You may use two separate G-1650 forms to split the payment on a single form. However, this will make your payment more complex and should be avoided if possible.
| If you submit... | And want to pay with... | Then you must |
|---|---|---|
| One application, petition, or request | One bank account | Pay the entire fee for that application, petition, or request using a single Form G-1650. |
| One application, petition, or request | Two bank accounts (split payment) | Complete 2 Form G-1650 authorizations (1 for each transaction) and specify the amount you wish to pay with each transaction. Make sure both Form G‑1650 authorizations add up to the full fee. USCIS will reject filings with incorrect amounts. Complete a separate Form G‑1650 for each payment (e.g., a $400 fee can be split into two $200 payments). |
| Three applications, petitions, or requests | One bank account | Submit separate Form G-1650 authorizations for each application, petition, or request. |
| Five applications, petitions, or requests | One bank account for 2 of the forms, and a credit card for the other 3 forms | Submit 2 separate packages: Package One includes 2 applications and 2 Form G-1650 authorizations; and Package Two includes 3 applications and 3 Form G-1450 authorizations. |
Paying USCIS Fees from Outside the U.S.
If you're filing from abroad, keep in mind that USCIS only accepts payments from U.S. bank accounts (via Form G‑1650) or U.S.-issued credit cards (via Form G‑1450). Foreign bank accounts and international credit cards are not accepted.
If you don’t have a U.S. bank account or credit card, you may need to ask a trusted person in the U.S. to make the payment on your behalf. This person can complete and sign the payment authorization form (G‑1650 or G‑1450) using their own financial information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not enough money in account or credit line
- Providing incorrect bank or card details
- Using a non-U.S. bank or foreign card
- Forgetting to sign the authorization form
- Not submitting a separate payment form for each application or petition filed
- Mailing a paper check (will be rejected after 10/28/2025)
Exception: Requesting a Paper Payment Exemption (Form G-1651)
While USCIS is eliminating paper checks and money orders starting October 28, 2025, there is a limited exception. You may request permission to submit a paper payment by filing Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment.
This exemption is granted only in rare circumstances. To qualify, you must certify that electronic payment is not possible and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You do not have access to banking services or electronic payment systems
- Electronic payment would cause undue hardship (as defined in 31 C.F.R. Part 208)
- Non-electronic transactions are necessary for national security or law enforcement reasons
- Other exceptional circumstances as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury
The exemption is not automatic. USCIS will review your request and determine whether a paper payment is permissible. For more information and to download the form, visit the USCIS G-1651 page →
Frequently Asked Questions About USCIS Payment Methods
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