On August 29, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a major update that will change how individuals pay their filing fees. For the first time, applicants and petitioners can now authorize direct debit payments from a U.S. bank account through a new form; Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions.
This modernization is part of a larger push under Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account, aimed at streamlining government transactions and reducing the risks tied to older payment methods like written checks.
What’s Changing About USCIS Fee Payments?
Until now, most USCIS fees were paid using paper checks or money orders, a system responsible for delays, lost payments, and occasional fraud. With Form G-1650, applicants can now:
- Authorize USCIS to securely withdraw fees directly from a U.S. checking or savings account.
- Submit Form G-1650 with their application, petition, or request for quick processing.
- Avoid mailing paper checks or purchasing money orders.
This option is in addition to the existing method of paying by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
Important Deadlines
- Now through October 28, 2025: USCIS will continue accepting paper checks, money orders, ACH debits (Form G-1650), and credit cards (Form G-1450).
- After October 28, 2025: Paper checks and money orders will no longer be accepted. USCIS will only process fee payments made through:
- ACH debit (Form G-1650)
- Credit card (Form G-1450)
What Applicants Need to Know
- Sufficient Funds: If your bank account does not have enough funds to cover the transaction, USCIS can reject your application, petition, or request.
- U.S. Bank Account Requirement: You must have a U.S. bank account to use Form G-1650. Any applicant without a U.S. bank account can continue using credit card payments, including prepaid credit cards, through Form G-1450.
- Updated Policy Guidance: USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to reflect ACH debit as an acceptable payment method.
Why This Matters
This change is in an apparent attempt to help USCIS operate more securely and efficiently. By reducing dependence on paper checks and money orders, which are still used for more than 90% of immigration payments, the agency hopes to cut down on processing delays and minimize the risks of fraud, theft, and lost mail.
USCIS Fee Payment FAQs
Can I still use checks or money orders to pay my USCIS fees?
Yes, but only until October 28, 2025. After that date, USCIS will no longer accept these forms of payment.
What if I don’t have a U.S. bank account?
You can still pay with a credit card by submitting Form G-1450. Prepaid credit cards are also accepted.
What happens if my payment is declined?
USCIS may reject your application or petition entirely, so it’s important to make sure your account has sufficient funds before authorizing a debit transaction.
Stay Ahead of U.S. Immigration Changes
This update is a big step toward modernizing the immigration process. By giving applicants the option to pay fees electronically, USCIS is hoping to cut red tape, reduce delays, and ensure payments are processed safely and efficiently.
At Berardi Immigration Law, we stay on top of these changes, so our clients don’t have to worry about the fine print. If you have questions about how to file correctly, or how these payment updates may affect your case, our team is here to guide you, every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and make sure your immigration journey is on the right track.
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