USCIS Goes Digital: What You Need to Know About New Electronic Payment Requirements

Effective October 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no longer accepts paper checks or money orders for immigration form payments. Instead, all paper-filed forms must be paid electronically. This change marks a significant step toward modernizing the immigration application process and improving payment security.

This post explains what the new electronic payment requirements mean for applicants, how to make payments, and why USCIS is making this shift. Understanding these changes will help you avoid delays and ensure your application moves smoothly.

What Is Changing with USCIS Payments?

Until now, many applicants submitting paper immigration forms paid fees by mailing checks or money orders. Effective October 28, 2025, USCIS now requires electronic payment for all paper submissions. This means:

• No more checks or money orders accepted by USCIS for paper-filed forms.

  
  

• Payments must be made electronically using one of two authorized methods.

  
  

The two approved electronic payment methods for paper forms are:

• Credit or debit card payments using Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions).

  
  

• ACH debit payments from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650 (Authorization for ACH Transactions).

  
  

Applicants or third-party payers must include the appropriate authorization form with their paper submission to process the payment electronically.

Why Is USCIS Moving to Electronic Payments?

USCIS made this change to improve the payment process in several ways:

• Speed up processing times: Paper checks and money orders require manual handling, which slows down application processing.

  
  

• Reduce payment errors and lost payments: Paper payments can get lost or delayed in the mail, causing application delays.

  
  

• Lower risk of fraud: Electronic payments provide more secure tracking and verification.

  
  

• Align with federal requirements: Executive Order 14247 mandates all government agencies modernize payment systems to improve efficiency and security.

  
  

According to USCIS, most current payments are still made by check or money order, which causes avoidable delays. Moving to electronic payments will help USCIS process applications faster and more securely.

How to Make Electronic Payments for Paper Forms

If you plan to file a paper immigration form, follow these steps to pay electronically:

1. Choose your payment method: Decide whether to pay by credit/debit card or ACH debit from a U.S. bank account.

   
   

2. Complete the correct authorization form:

   
   

   • Use Form G-1450 for credit or debit card payments.

   
   

3. Use Form G-1650 for ACH debit payments.

   
   

4. Include the completed authorization form with your paper application: USCIS will process your payment electronically based on the authorization.

   
   

5. Mail your application and payment authorization to USCIS as usual.

   
   

Make sure to fill out the authorization forms carefully. Incorrect or missing payment authorizations can delay your application.

What About Online Filers?

Applicants who file immigration forms online already pay electronically through their USCIS online accounts using the secure pay.gov system. USCIS encourages online filing because it offers several benefits:

• Step-by-step guidance to reduce errors.

  
  

• Immediate electronic payment processing.

  
  

• Faster application review and status updates.

  
  

If you are eligible to file online, this option can save time and reduce the chance of mistakes.

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Start early: Prepare your payment authorization form before mailing your paper application.

  
  

• Double-check payment details: Ensure your credit/debit card or bank account information is accurate.

  
  

• Keep copies: Save copies of your application, payment authorization, and mailing receipt.

  
  

• Consider online filing: If your form is available online, filing electronically can simplify the process.

  
  

• Watch for updates: USCIS may update forms or procedures, so check their website before submitting.

  
  

Summary

USCIS’s new requirement for electronic payment on paper-filed immigration forms will improve security and speed up processing. Effective October 28, 2025, applicants must use Form G-1450 or Form G-1650 to authorize credit/debit card or ACH debit payments. Online filers already pay electronically and are encouraged to continue doing so.

To avoid delays, prepare your payment authorization carefully and consider filing online when possible. Staying informed about these changes will help your immigration process go smoothly. If you need help with your immigration situation, contact the Law Office of Theodore Huang to set up a consultation.