Immigration
Streamlining USCIS Payments: Electronic Filing Fees and Navigating Challenges Surrounding Payment
By Buchanan Attorneys Khushbu Patel and Dilip Patel
In a move aligning with federal mandates and aiming to modernize its payment system, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant change to its fee payment procedures. Effective Oct. 28, 2025, USCIS will phase out the acceptance of paper checks and money orders for filing fees, shifting instead to electronic payment methods —specifically ACH debit payments and credit card payments.
Key dates and what they mean
- Oct. 28, 2025: Deadline for USCIS to stop accepting paper checks and money orders.
- Post-Oct. 28, 2025: Only ACH debit payments using Form G-1650 or credit/debit/prepaid card payments using Form G-1450 will be accepted.
Applicants, petitioners and their attorneys need to prepare now to ensure seamless payment submissions after this deadline. Failure to comply may result in rejected applications or delays in processing.
New Payment Forms Explained
USCIS has introduced two new forms that applicants must use depending on their chosen payment method:
- Form G-1650 – Authorization for ACH Transaction
- Form G-1450 – Authorization for Credit Card, Debit Card, and Prepaid Card Transactions.
Let’s break down what each form entails and how to correctly use them.
- Form G-1650: Paying via ACH Debit
This form is designated for electronic transfers directly from a U.S. bank account. To use Form G-1650:
- The bank account must be a U.S. bank account, payable in U.S. dollars.
- The form must be fully completed and signed by the payor or an authorized representative. It cannot contain a stamped or typewritten signature.
- The bank account details, including routing and account numbers, must be accurate and match the payment amount.
- The payor may need to contact their bank to remove any ACH Debit Block by providing the appropriate Agency Location Codes listed in the USCIS instructions.
Important notes:
- Splitting payments between ACH and other payment methods is not permitted.
- The form must specify whether the account is personal or business, checking or savings.
- The payment amount must be authorized precisely.
- If the ACH transaction fails due to insufficient funds, USCIS will attempt one reprocessing. A second failure may lead to application rejection or denial.
- Form G-1450: Paying via credit, debit or prepaid card
This form is used for card payments and must also be completed carefully:
- The payment must come from a U.S.-based credit, debit, or prepaid card.
- The form must include the cardholder’s name, card number, expiration date, and authorized signature.
- The total fee amount must be explicitly authorized.
- Multiple benefit requests cannot be paid with a single G-1450; each benefit request requires its own form.
Important notes:
- If the card is declined, USCIS will reject the application; it will not attempt a second payment.
- The form cannot be split between ACH and card payments, nor can it be used for multiple benefit requests.
Your role in ensuring a smooth transition
Given these new procedures, applicants should:
- Review their payment options well ahead of the deadline. If using ACH, ensure the bank account is set up correctly and funds are available.
- Confirm that forms are accurately completed. Errors such as incorrect account numbers, missing signatures, or unverified bank details will lead to rejection.
- Contact banks if necessary to remove any ACH restrictions.
- Prepare for potential declines. If your card is declined, do not attempt multiple payments with the same form; instead, resolve the issue promptly.
Implications for immigration applicants
Understanding these new forms and procedures is critical, and it is important to be aware of these changes and assist with correct form completion to avoid delays. Additionally, USCIS’s rejection policies mean that incomplete or improperly filled forms will result in application denial, making accuracy paramount, especially if there is a pressing deadline involved.
Final thoughts
USCIS’s move to phase out paper checks and adopt electronic payments reflects modernization efforts aligned with federal directives. While this transition requires some adjustment, understanding the new forms and procedures will help avoid processing delays and application rejections. It is important to stay informed, double-check your forms, and confirm your payment details before submitting your application. If you have further questions or need assistance with filling out Forms G-1650 or G-1450, consider consulting an immigration attorney or contacting USCIS directly.
Tampa Bay area welcomes Attorney Khushbu Patel
We are pleased to introduce Attorney Khushbu Patel to our readers. Khushbu is an experienced immigration attorney and has recently joined the Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney law firm to work with Dilip Patel, who writes our immigration articles. Khushbu brings with her a wealth of knowledge in immigration law and a passion for helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of the immigration process.
Khushbu was born and raised in Richmond, Va., where she developed a strong foundation in legal principles and a deep commitment to serving her community. She earned her law degree from a respected institution, Rutgers Law School, where she developed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States.
She married in April 2024 and recently moved to the Tampa area with her husband, who works in commercial contracting. Khushbu’s move to Tampa not only marks a new chapter in her personal journey but also allows her to contribute her expertise to the growing community in the region. Fluent in Gujarati, she is an active member of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Thonotosassa, Florida.
We are thrilled to welcome Khushbu to our readers and look forward to the invaluable information she will provide to them in the field of immigration law.