USCIS Electronic Payments Transition: What You Must Know Before Filing Your Application
- Viktor A. De Maio
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
The USCIS electronic payments transition marks a pivotal change for those submitting immigration petitions and applications in the United States. Starting October 28, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will only accept electronic payments for paper-filed forms, eliminating the use of personal checks and money orders. If you are planning to file a form that requires a fee, it's critical that you understand what this USCIS electronic payments transition involves, which formats you must use, and how to avoid having your petition returned. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you and your immigration attorney need to know.
What is the USCIS Electronic Payments Transition?
The USCIS electronic payments transition refers to the policy by which the federal immigration agency phases out paper-based payment methods (personal checks, money orders) for physically filed forms. As of October 28, 2025, all fees associated with paper submissions must be paid by credit/debit card via Form G-1450 or ACH debit via Form G-1650. The goal of this measure is to reduce processing delays, fraud risks and lost payments.
Why is USCIS implementing this new policy?
According to the agency, more than 90 % of payments come from checks or money orders, which cause delays and increased risks. The policy aligns with Executive Order 14247 — “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account” — which demands modernization of federal payment systems. The result: faster processing, greater security, and fewer errors.
What payment methods does USCIS now accept?
Under the USCIS electronic payments transition, the accepted methods are:
Credit or debit cards through Form G-1450.
ACH debit from a U.S. bank account via Form G-1650.
In very limited instances, an exemption may be requested using Form G-1651. Importantly: applications filed on or after October 28 2025 using a personal check or money order may be rejected.
How does this affect applicants and legal representatives?
For you or your client, the USCIS electronic payments transition means the following:
Confirm that you are submitting the correct electronic payment (G-1450 or G-1650) to preserve your filing date.
Plan ahead: if you previously used checks, you must switch to electronic methods.
As a legal representative, you must inform your clients about this change and update internal procedures accordingly.
Clients without a U.S. bank account can still pay via credit card (G-1450), but you must verify the payment instrument is acceptable.
Be sure to use the latest edition of the form (edition date is listed on the form).
Practical steps to comply with the transition
Determine whether your application will be filed online or submitted in paper. If paper, ensure the correct electronic payment method.
Complete Form G-1450 or G-1650 as required.
Attach the authorized payment and form to your filing packet or upload.
If you anticipate needing an exemption, evaluate Form G-1651 and eligibility.
Retain documentation: electronic receipts, signed authorizations, confirmation emails.
Consult your immigration attorney to review the complete packet before submission.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly does the “USCIS electronic payments transition” mean?
It means that the federal immigration agency will no longer accept personal checks or money orders for paper-filed forms and will only accept electronic payments (card or ACH) as of October 28 2025.
2. Can I still use a check or money order before October 28 2025?
Yes. Up until the transition date, checks and money orders are accepted. After the date, only electronic payment methods will be valid.
3. What authorization forms are required?
Form G-1450: credit/debit card authorization.
Form G-1650: ACH debit authorization.
4. What happens if I file with a check after the transition date?
Your application may be rejected, and you may lose your filing date, which can affect immigration timelines.
5. Are there exceptions to the transition?
Yes. In rare cases, you may request an exemption by submitting Form G-1651 if electronic payment or banking access is not available.
6. Does this transition apply to forms filed online?
No. Online filings already require electronic payments. The transition specifically impacts paper-filed forms.
7. What should my immigration attorney do?
Your attorney should update procedures: inform clients of the new payment requirement, ensure correct payment method is used, attach the authorization form, and retain proof of payment. It’s part of good client service and risk mitigation.
Conclusions
The USCIS electronic payments transition constitutes a significant policy shift that demands attention and proper planning from both applicants and immigration attorneys. Ensuring payment is made via credit/debit card or ACH (Form G-1450 or G-1650) will prevent rejections, processing delays, or losing a filing date. Staying ahead of this change is as important as preparing a well-documented application.
If you need assistance preparing your application, verifying the correct payment method, or navigating the USCIS electronic payments transition
Schedule your consultation with our experienced immigration team today.
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