USCIS to Require Electronic Payments for All Paper-Filed Applications Starting October 28, 2025

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is making a major change to how immigration application fees are paid. Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will only accept electronic payments for all paper-filed applications, petitions, and requests. This means checks, money orders, bank drafts, and cashier’s checks will no longer be accepted.

This update affects everyone who files applications by mail. To avoid delays or rejections, applicants and their representatives must adjust to the new digital payment system as soon as possible.

What You Need to Know About the New Payment Rules

USCIS will now only accept two electronic payment methods for paper-filed forms:

• Credit or Debit Card: Use Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. The card must be issued by a U.S. financial institution, but you can also use prepaid credit cards.
• ACH Debit Transaction: Use Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions to pay directly from a U.S. bank account (checking or savings).

Important: When mailing your application, make sure to complete, sign, and place the payment form (G-1450 or G-1650) on top of your application package. Also, confirm that your card or account has enough funds—if your payment fails, your entire filing will be rejected.

Why USCIS Is Requiring Electronic Payments

This change is part of a government-wide effort under Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account. The goal is to make payments to and from federal agencies faster, safer, and more efficient.

USCIS officials say that over 90% of payments currently come from checks and money orders, which cause long processing times and increase the risk of fraud, lost payments, or theft. By going digital, USCIS expects to reduce these issues and make the process smoother for applicants and the agency alike.

What You Can Do Right Now

Even before this rule takes effect, USCIS encourages applicants to file and pay online whenever possible. Through a USCIS online account, you can:

• File forms electronically using guided steps or fillable PDFs.
• Pay securely via pay.gov.
• Get instant confirmation of your payment.
• Access helpful tips to reduce mistakes and rejections.

Filing online not only speeds up the process but also helps ensure your application is complete and accurate.

Exemptions and Alternatives

Some applicants may qualify for exemptions from the electronic payment rule:

• If you cannot pay electronically, check Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment, for a list of approved exceptions.
• If you don’t have a U.S. bank account, you can still use Form G-1450 to pay with a credit, debit, or prepaid card.

Final Thoughts

The USCIS electronic payment requirement marks a big step toward a modern, secure, and efficient immigration system. Starting October 28, 2025, you’ll no longer be able to use checks or money orders—only credit, debit, or ACH payments will be accepted.

While change can be inconvenient, this update means faster processing, fewer lost payments, and better security for everyone involved.

At Kaza Law, we stay on top of every USCIS policy update so you don’t have to. If you’re planning to file an application soon, we can help you understand the new payment process and ensure everything is submitted correctly. Contact us today to get personalized guidance and avoid costly mistakes in your next filing.

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My name is Daven Ghandi, and I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of KAZA Law. In this article, we discussed the challenges and limited options for obtaining a green card while on a tourist visa. If you’re considering adjusting your status or have questions about family-based sponsorship, employment-based petitions, or other immigration pathways, it’s essential to understand the complexities involved. If you need personalized advice or have any immigration-related concerns, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.