U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant update regarding payment methods for immigration applications. Beginning October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept paper checks or money orders for paper-filed applications. All payments must now be made electronically.
New USCIS Payment Options
To streamline processing and improve security, USCIS will require applicants to use one of the following electronic payment methods:
Bank Account (ACH) — using Form G-1650
Credit or Debit Card — using Form G-1450
These payment requirements apply to all paper-filed applications, including asylum applications, work visa petitions, green card applications, family-based and employment-based petitions, and other immigration benefit requests.
Payment Methods No Longer Accepted
As of October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept the following forms of payment:
Money orders
Cashier’s checks
Personal or business checks
Any application submitted using these outdated payment methods will be returned without processing.
What Applicants Should Do Now
To avoid delays or rejections, applicants should:
Review form instructions carefully before mailing applications.
Include the correct payment authorization form (G-1450 or G-1650).
Use secure electronic payment methods to ensure timely processing.
Keep a copy of the payment confirmation for their records.
Reason for the Change
USCIS aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, and security by transitioning to electronic payments. Electronic transactions reduce fraud risk, accelerate processing, and provide applicants with immediate payment confirmation. This transition supports USCIS’s broader initiative to modernize and digitize immigration services.
How Quintana & Barajas PLLC Can Assist
Submitting immigration applications correctly is essential, especially when procedures change. Our legal team can assist by:
Ensuring your filings comply with the new payment requirements
Reviewing all documentation for accuracy
Guiding you through each step of the submission process
📞 210-257-8645 | 📩 [email protected] | 🌎 www.lawqb.com
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance tailored to your situation, schedule a consultation with our team.