USCIS Modernizes Fee Payments with Electronic Funds

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant update to how immigration filing fees can be paid. Effective August 29, 2025, USCIS requires applicants and petitioners to submit filing fees through direct electronic debit from a U.S. bank account, marking a major step toward modernizing its payment systems.

This change was part of a broader federal initiative to improve efficiency, security, and reliability in government transactions.

What Changed?

USCIS introduced Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, which allows filing fees and service fees to be paid via Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit directly from a U.S. bank account.

Applicants may submit Form G-1650 or G-1450 (Credit Card Authorization) together with their application, petition, or request, authorizing USCIS to withdraw the required fees electronically.

Why USCIS Made This Change

The update aligned with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account, and addressed long-standing inefficiencies in USCIS fee processing.

According to USCIS, more than 90% of filing fees were previously paid by paper check or money order, which contributed to:

Processing delays;
Increased administrative workload; and
Higher risk of fraud, lost payments, or theft.

By introducing ACH debit payments, USCIS aimed to streamline operations while improving security and reliability for both the agency and applicants.

Payment Options Currently Available

USCIS accepts the following payment methods:

ACH debit payments using Form G-1650 (U.S. bank accounts only); or
Credit card payments using Form G-1450 (Issued by a U.S. bank only).

After October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepted checks or money orders. Only ACH debit or credit card payments are permitted.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Applicants and petitioners should be aware of several key considerations:

Both Credit Card and ACH payments require a U.S.-based bank account;
Credit cards must be issued by a U.S. Bank. Individuals without a U.S. bank account would need to adjust accordingly;
Applications, petitions, or requests may be rejected if a payment is declined due to insufficient funds or credit limits; and
USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to recognize ACH debit transactions as an acceptable payment method.

Careful attention to payment accuracy and account funding is essential to avoid unnecessary rejections or delays.

Need help navigating USCIS filing requirements?

Changes to USCIS procedures—even operational ones like fee payments—can result in delays or rejections if not handled properly. Understanding your payment options and ensuring compliance with updated filing requirements can help keep your case on track.

Set up a consultation with the Law Office of Jacqueline Lentini, LLC by calling 630-262-1435 or emailing jacki@lentinivisas.com.