USCIS’s transition to primarily electronic payments for immigration benefits. Importantly, note that after October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept paper-based payments like checks and money orders, absent limited exceptions.
As part of this policy shift, USCIS introduced a new payment method allowing applicants and petitioners to pay filing fees through Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit transactions from U.S. bank accounts. Effective immediately, individuals may submit Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, with their filings to authorize direct debit payments. USCIS has also confirmed that the ACH debit option supplements, rather than replaces the existing credit card payment option available through Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, which allows for payments by U.S. credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. Like with Form G-1450, USCIS has provided a more detailed G-1650 resource to supplement the form instructions.
Importantly, members should note that after October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept paper-based payments like checks and money orders, absent limited exemptions.
