By Grace Vensel

Effective October 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer accept paper checks and money orders as payment of filing fees. In place of paper payments, USCIS has implemented an electronic payment system that either authorizes the agency to directly withdraw filing fees from a U.S. bank account or to charge a U.S. issued credit card. This article explains why USCIS has made this change, how applicants must now submit filing fees, and important considerations to keep in mind.  

Background: Executive Order 14247

In March 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14247, which mandates all executive departments and agencies transition to electronic funds transfer (EFT) methods. It also requires all payments made to the Federal Government to be processed electronically.

As a federal agency, USCIS is now taking steps to comply with this Executive Order by requiring individuals to pay filing fees electronically. According to USCIS, this policy change “aligns with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America's Bank Account, and is aimed at reducing the time and manpower required to process checks and money orders, as well as reducing the risk of fraud, lost payments, and theft.” 

How to Make Electronic Payments of Filing Fees: Forms G-1650 and G-1450

As of August 29, 2025, applicants for immigration benefits may now authorize the electronic payment of filing fees by completing and signing one of the following forms:

1.  Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions

          or

2. Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions

Form G-1650 permits USCIS to withdraw filing fee funds directly from a U.S. bank account using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. When using this form, applicants must provide the following information:

• Whether the bank account is Business or Personal in nature

• Whether you would like to pay the filing fees from your Checking or Savings Account

• The authorized payment amount, determined by the applicable filing fee for your application, petition, or request

• Bank Routing Number

        and 

• Bank Account Number

Alternatively, Form G-1450 authorizes payment by credit card through the U.S. Department of Treasury's Trusted Collection Services (TCS). This form requires the following information:

• Applicant's full legal name

• Credit card holder's name (as it appears on the credit card)

• Credit card holder's billing address

• Credit card holder's signature and contact information

        and

• Credit card number, expiration date, and credit card type

USCIS accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.

Electronic Payment Requirements

According to USCIS's updated Policy Manual, all electronic payments for filing fees must be made using a U.S. bank account and payable in U.S. currency. This means that Forms G-1650 and G-1450 must include the information of a U.S. based bank account, or a credit card issued by a U.S. bank. 

Applicants may begin submitting electronic payments for filing fees as of August 29, 2025. USCIS will continue to accept paper check and money order payments until October 28, 2025. After that date, USCIS will only accept electronic payments from either Form G-1650 or G-1450, unless an exemption exists under Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment.

*Please note that Form G-1651 is not currently available on the USCIS website. 

What To Do If Applicants Do Not Have a U.S. Bank Account or Credit Card

USCIS plans to provide two alternative payment options for individuals who do not have access to a U.S. based bank account or a credit card issued by a U.S. bank:

1. Individuals may submit Form G-1450 and use a pre-paid credit card issued by a U.S. financial institution

        or

2. Individuals may request an exemption to the electronic payment requirement by filing Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment  once the form becomes available.

What Applicants Should Consider When Using Forms G-1650 or G-1450

USCIS will reject submissions that do not contain valid payment of the correct filing fee amount. It will also reject any payment issued from a foreign bank – regardless of whether the payment is in paper or electronic form. Therefore, it is especially important for applicants pay the required filing fees correctly. 

Ensure Sufficient Funds 

Many submissions for immigration benefits involve several different forms with various filing fees. Applicants may not split payments between a bank account and a credit card by using both Form G-1650 and G-1450 to pay the required filing fee. 

Thus, when submitting either forms G-1650 or G-1450, it is important to ensure that the account or credit card being used contains sufficient funds to pay for all filing fees required for the applicant's particular submission. If USCIS is unable to successfully withdraw the applicable fees from the account or charge the credit card, the submission may be rejected.

Authorize Banks to Process Payments

Form G-1650 states that individuals may need to contact their banks to remove the “ACH Debit Block.” Doing so enables the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw funds from an applicant's account using the ACH payment method. If the ACH Debit Block is in place, USCIS will not be able to withdraw funds from an account. This may result in delays or even a rejection of the submission in its entirety. 

Use Original Signatures

USCIS requires original signatures or photocopies of original signatures on all forms. It does not accept typed names, stamped signatures, or electronic signatures. If USCIS believes that a signature is not an original signature or a photocopy of an original signature, it will reject the submission. 

Our Office is Here to Help! 

USCIS's transition to electronic payments represents a significant shift in its operations. It also presents additional steps and potential challenges for applicants. Moving forward, Form G-1650 or G-1450 must be submitted with every immigration application, petition, or request that requires a filing fee. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the new payment system, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of James D. Eiss. Our team of experienced attorneys and paralegals are here to guide you through every step of your immigration journey.