Introduction

Effective October 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will only accept electronic payments for paper-filed forms. This change, announced in a news release, marks the formal end of filing fees paid by check, money order, or other paper-based instruments for applications, petitions, and requests submitted by mail.

How to Pay: Credit, Debit, or ACH Only

USCIS has confirmed that, starting on October 28, 2025, any filing fee for a paper-filed form must be paid electronically through one of two approved methods. Applicants and petitioners may authorize payment by credit or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, or by ACH debit from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions. These forms must accompany the underlying application, petition, or request when filed with USCIS.

USCIS explains that requiring electronic payment eliminates the need for applicants, petitioners, and third-party payors to carry physical funds into field offices and lockbox facilities. The shift is also designed to comply with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account, which directs federal agencies to transition their disbursements and receipts to electronic methods to reduce fraud, lost payments, and inefficiencies.

Online filings remain unaffected by this policy shift. USCIS will continue to accept online payments for forms filed electronically through a USCIS online account, and those payments will continue to be processed via the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. The agency encourages benefit requestors and their accredited representatives to use the online filing system whenever available, highlighting that the system offers guided filing, electronic PDF intake, and built-in instructions that can reduce common filing errors while enabling secure, immediate fee payment.

Limited Exceptions and What Applicants Should Do Next

USCIS has acknowledged that not every applicant will be able to meet the electronic-payment requirement. In limited circumstances, benefit requestors and third-party payors may qualify for an exemption from electronic payment. Those seeking such an exception must use Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment, which lists the categories of individuals and situations eligible for relief from the electronic-payment mandate. Examples may include individuals who cannot manage a financial account due to certain impairments or who reside in locations without reliable access to electronic financial infrastructure.

Applicants should ensure they have access to a U.S. bank account that can support ACH debits or to a valid credit or debit card, verify that sufficient funds or credit are available, and confirm that each application includes its own payment authorization as required. Those who cannot meet these conditions should review Form G-1651 and determine, with legal counsel if necessary, whether an exemption may apply.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading any content on our website does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance tailored to your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration attorney.