In USCIS News: USCIS to Modernize Fee Payments-What You Need to Know
- Charm White
- Sep 11, 2025
- 2 min read
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an important change to the way applicants can pay their immigration filing fees. Beginning October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept checks or money orders. Instead, applicants will need to pay electronically, either through a bank account (ACH debit) or by credit card.
What’s Changing
New Payment Option: Applicants with a U.S. bank account can now pay filing fees directly from their account using the new Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions.
Credit Card Payments Continue: USCIS will still accept payments by credit card using Form G-1450. Both traditional and prepaid credit cards are allowed.
Checks and Money Orders Ending: After October 28, 2025, checks and money orders will no longer be accepted. For now, during the transition period, all methods are accepted.
Why This Matters
This change is part of USCIS’s plan to modernize its services and make payment processing faster, safer, and more efficient. By moving away from paper payments, the agency hopes to:
Reduce delays caused by lost or misprocessed checks.
Lower the risk of fraud and theft.
Speed up the application process by streamlining how fees are handled.
Follow a federal directive requiring agencies to modernize government payment systems.
What Applicants Should Do to Prepare
Review how you’ve paid before. If you usually use a check or money order, you’ll need to switch to ACH debit or credit card.
Set up your bank account for ACH debit. If you have a U.S. bank account, you can authorize payment through the new Form G-1650.
Ensure funds are available. If your ACH debit payment fails due to insufficient funds, USCIS may reject your application.
Keep credit card details ready. If you don’t have a U.S. bank account, you can continue to pay with a credit card, including prepaid cards.
Note the deadline. After October 28, 2025, checks and money orders will no longer be an option.
The Bottom Line
This update is designed to improve security, efficiency, and convenience for applicants and USCIS alike. While you still have a few months to adjust, it’s smart to prepare now. If you’re planning to file an application later this year or beyond, make sure you have either a bank account ready for ACH debit or a valid credit card to complete your payment.
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