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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is rolling out a new way to pay filing fees. Until now, most applicants used credit cards or checks. Now there’s a simpler payment option: paying directly from a U.S. bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH). What does this mean for you? Faster payments, fewer errors, and smoother processing.
This change is part of USCIS’s broader effort to modernize payment systems and expand electronic options. For example, applicants can now also pay with debit cards through the secure Pay.gov platform, which USCIS highlighted in its Modernizing Payments News Release. The introduction of ACH payments through Form G-1650 is another step toward making the process smoother and more inclusive for a wider range of applicants.
What Changed: USCIS ACH Payments and ACH Transactions Explained
Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments are electronic transfers of funds directly from a bank account. There is a new ACH Debit Option available, supplementing the previous credit option, for paying USCIS application and petition fees. This is available via Form G-1650, which authorizes ACH debit payments directly from a U.S. bank account. Form G-1450 will remain the correct form for credit card payments.
How to Use Form G-1650 for ACH Transactions and USCIS Filing Fees
First, make sure you have a valid U.S. checking or savings account. Then, download the latest version of Form G-1650 and carefully fill it out with your account details (routing number, account number, account type) and your signature as the account holder. Place the completed form on top of your application package so USCIS can process it with your filing.
Here are the key things to remember:
- Check with your bank for ACH debit blocks; whitelist USCIS’s Originating ID (1134690138) if needed.
- USCIS may reject your application if any details are missing or incorrect.
ACH Blocks and Bank Restrictions
Sometimes banks automatically block ACH payments as a security feature to prevent unauthorized withdrawals. This can interfere with USCIS fee payments. To avoid problems, contact your bank before filing with USCIS and ask:
- Does my account have any ACH debit blocks or filters?
- Do I need to whitelist USCIS (Originating ID: 1134690138) for the payment to go through?
- Can I temporarily or permanently allow ACH debits from USCIS?
Insufficient Funds and Returned Payments
When using ACH debit via Form G-1650, remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that there are sufficient funds within the account being used in order for the payment to go through successfully. A payment failure due to insufficient funds will be considered non-payment, and will result in the rejection of the application as a whole.
Similarly, returned payments will also result in full rejection. Returned payments can occur due to a number of issues, including closed bank accounts, incorrect bank account information, an ACK block or filter, and a lack of authorization for debit payments. In such cases, the entire filing is rejected and you will be required to resubmit everything again, with new forms, and a valid fee payment.
Risks and Pitfalls When You Pay USCIS Fees (ACH Debit, Checks, and Money Orders)
When using electronic payments, it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes that can cause your application to be rejected.
- Choose only one payment method. Either pay by ACH with Form G-1650 or by card with Form G-1450 but not both.
- All fees are final. USCIS treats every fee payment as final, regardless of the petition outcome. If your case is denied or withdrawn, you won’t get a refund. That’s why it’s important to make sure your filing is complete and eligible before paying.
- Authorized signature required. The bank account holder must sign Form G-1650 to authorize the debit. Without it, your application may be rejected.
- Ensure consistency. The name on the bank account should match the name on your USCIS application. If not, include an explanation or authorization.
- Provide accurate account details. Double-check routing and account numbers to avoid errors.
- Check account balance. Make sure your account has sufficient funds to cover the payment. A failed debit counts as non-payment.
- Type, don’t handwrite. Typed forms reduce the risk of USCIS misreading your information.
- Plan ahead. Because electronic payments are still relatively new, system errors or downtime may happen. File with buffer time, keep copies of all forms, and be ready to follow up with USCIS if needed.
For more details, see the USCIS ACH Payment FAQ and the USCIS guide on paying by credit card.
Paper Checks and Money Orders End in 2025: What Happens Next for USCIS Fee Payments?
USCIS will no longer accept paper checks or money orders after October 28, 2025. After this date, applicants and petitioners must use electronic payment methods, primarily through ACH debits using Form G-1650. Payment via credit/debit card will also be possible, using Form G-1450.
This transition period gives individuals time to adapt to the new system and ensures smoother implementation across USCIS services. The changes are aligned with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account, which is intended to reduce processing burdens, fraud, lost payments, and delays.
After October 28, 2025, therefore, filing will only be possible via ACH (Form G-1650) or credit/debit card (Form G-1450).
Options If You Don’t Have a U.S. Bank Account
Currently, ACH payments via Form G-1650 require a U.S.-based bank account. If you don’t have one, however, there are several options at your disposal:
- Using a trusted third party, such as a sponsor, employer, or immigration attorney, who, with proper authorization, can submit the payment on your behalf using their U.S. account.
- Setting up a new U.S. bank account, if you’re eligible. Many banks offer accounts to non-citizens with the right documentation.
- Preparing Form G-1450 with a prepaid or regular credit card.
Are There Any Exemptions to USCIS’s Electronic Payment Requirement?
Yes, USCIS may allow limited exemptions to the electronic payment requirement in certain cases. These include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Lack of access to banking services or electronic banking systems. For individuals in underserved or remote areas where banking services are not available, alternatives to electronic payments may be allowed.
- Serious economic hardship.
- Need related to national security or law enforcement activities.
- Other circumstances determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, as set forth in applicable regulations of guidance.
What Documentation Is Needed to Prove an Exemption?
If you are applying for an exemption, USCIS will typically require documentation to support your request. This may include:
- A signed statement from the applicant explaining the situation.
- A letter from a service provider or authority confirming the hardship.
- Evidence of the hardship (such as utility bills, copies of leases, or media publications, depending on the case).
Furthermore, USCIS may allow fee exemptions in specific cases, as well. These cases include:
- Asylees and refugees;
- Self-petitioners under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA);
- Applicants who are victims of trafficking or other crimes (T and U visa applicants);
- Afghan or Iraqi special immigrants;
- Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ);
- Applicants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS);
Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) is available for those who qualify.
Conclusion
Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will accept only digital fee payments. Paper checks and money orders will no longer be an option. If you’re planning to file an O-1, EB-1A, or EB-2 NIW, it’s smart to get familiar with the new payment process now. With Form G-1650, you can pay your filing fees quickly, securely, and without leaving home. As immigration services continue moving online, understanding these tools will help you avoid delays and keep your application on track.
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