U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new electronic payment method, allowing individuals to pay fees via an electronic debit from a U.S. bank account. This new option, which uses the Authorization for ACH Transactions (Form G-1650), is available for payments filed through Pay.gov, the appropriate Lockbox facility, Service Center, and most USCIS field offices.
The agency will no longer accept checks, money orders, or other forms of paper payments for requests filed on or after October 28, 2025, unless a limited exemption applies.
This policy change aligns with Executive Order 14247, “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account,” which mandates the transition to electronic payments for all federal disbursements and receipts.
The continued use of paper-based payments, such as checks and money orders, “imposes unnecessary costs; delays; and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies,” according to the Executive Order. Payments made through an Automated Clearing House (ACH) method are less likely to be lost, stolen, or altered compared to traditional paper-based payments. Historically, Department of the Treasury checks have been 16 times more likely to be reported as lost, stolen, or altered than an electronic funds transfer (EFT).
“We have a responsibility to the American people to operate as efficiently and securely as possible,” said USCIS Spokesman Matthew J. Tragesser. “Over 90% of our payments come from checks and money orders, causing processing delays and increasing the risk of fraud and lost payments. America deserves better, and we intend to deliver.”
The new ACH debit payment option is in addition to the existing method of paying with a credit or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. This provides individuals with multiple electronic options to pay required fees.
The update is effective as of August 29, 2025, and applies to requests filed on or after October 28, 2025. The USCIS Policy Manual has been updated to include this new guidance.
Applicants and petitioners are advised to ensure their bank accounts have sufficient funds to cover all filing fees. USCIS may resubmit an ACH payment that is returned as unpayable due to insufficient funds one time. If a payment is returned as unpayable a second time, USCIS may reject or deny the filing. USCIS does not resubmit payments returned as unpayable for reasons other than insufficient funds. If a payment is unfunded after a benefit request has been approved, USCIS may revoke, rescind, or cancel the approval with notice.
For individuals who do not have a U.S. bank account, payment must be made using a credit or pre-paid card in U.S. dollars. Alternatively, they may submit the Exemption for Paper Fee Payment (Form G-1651) if they meet an exemption, such as not having access to banking services or electronic payment systems. The Form G-1651 is available for benefit requestors starting August 29, 2025.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
