USCIS to Shift to Electronic Fee Payments, Ending Paper Checks and Money Orders After October 28
USCIS announced on August 29 that it has introduced ACH debit payments from U.S. bank accounts and that, starting October 28, 2025, it will accept only ACH debit payments via Form G-1650 or credit card payments via Form G-1450, no longer accepting paper checks or money orders. The article covers how to complete the two forms, the policy basis, and the consequences if a payment is rejected.
On August 29, USCIS issued a notice announcing a comprehensive shift to electronic fee payment. Currently, application fees can be paid by credit card or check. A new bank debit option has now been added; meanwhile, starting October 28, paper checks or money orders will no longer be accepted, and only the following two payment methods will be accepted:
1. Bank debit: Applicants must complete Form G-1650 to authorize USCIS to debit the fee. The form is straightforward, requiring the applicant's name, account type (personal or business), account name, account category (checking or savings), account number/routing number, etc. Don't forget to sign!
2. Credit card payment: Applicants must complete Form G-1450 to authorize the credit card charge. The form is similarly simple, including the applicant/cardholder's name, billing address, zip code, credit card number, expiration date, and other information—the same details required for online shopping.
The translation of the USCIS notice is as follows.
USCIS to Modernize Fee Payment with Electronic Funds Transfer
Release Date: August 29, 2025
New form allows payment of application and service fees via secure direct debit
Washington — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a new method for electronic debit payments using a U.S. bank account. Effective immediately, individuals can complete transactions directly with USCIS by completing and signing Form G-1650, "Authorization for ACH Transactions," and submitting it together with their application, petition, or request.
This measure aligns with the requirements of Executive Order 14247, "Modernizing Payments to and from America's Bank Account," and aims to reduce the time and manpower needed to process checks and money orders, while also lowering the risks of fraud, lost payments, and theft.
USCIS spokesperson Matthew J. Tragesser said, "We have a responsibility to provide the American people with the most efficient and secure services possible. More than 90% of our payments come from checks and money orders, which causes processing delays and increases the risk of fraud and lost payments. The American people deserve better service, and we intend to provide it."
This new ACH debit payment option supplements the existing credit card payment option using Form G-1450, providing individuals with multiple choices for paying required fees.
USCIS will continue to accept paper checks and money orders, as well as credit and debit card payments, until October 28, 2025. After October 28, 2025, USCIS will only accept ACH debit transactions using Form G-1650 or credit card payments using Form G-1450.
USCIS has also published updated guidance in its Policy Manual (PDF, 495.95 KB) that includes ACH debit transactions using Form G-1650 among acceptable payment methods.
Applicants and petitioners should ensure their accounts have sufficient funds to cover all application fees. If a transaction is rejected, USCIS may reject any application, petition, or request. If you do not have a U.S. bank account, you cannot use Form G-1650, but you may submit Form G-1450, "Authorization for Credit Card Transactions," and use a prepaid credit card to pay application fees.
