USCIS PHASING OUT PAPER CHECKS FOR FEE PAYMENTS

On August 29, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the rollout of a new electronic payment system for immigration filing fees. Applicants may now authorize direct electronic debit (ACH) from a U.S. bank account by completing Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, and submitting it with paper applications, petitions, or requests.

Transition Timeline

Paper checks and money orders will continue to be accepted only until October 28, 2025. Beginning October 29, 2025, USCIS will accept just two payment methods for paper-filed forms (unless an exemption applies):

• ACH debit using Form G-1650, or

• credit card using Form G-1450.

All payments must be drawn on a U.S. bank and payable in U.S. currency. USCIS will reject payments made through foreign banks or in non-U.S. funds, whether by ACH, debit, credit, or paper check.

Modernization GoalsThe transition is part of Executive Order 14247, "Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account," and is intended to reduce processing delays, fraud risks, and the loss or theft of paper-based payments. Online payment options for forms filed electronically remain available and unchanged.