USCIS Transitions to Electronic Payments for Paper-Filed Immigration Forms

On October 28, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant change in how payments for immigration applications will be accepted. USCIS now requires electronic payments for all paper-filed forms, as opposed to the previously accepted payment methods of checks and money orders. This marks a substantial shift from traditional payment methods.

What Exactly is Changing

Under the new policy, individuals submitting paper immigration forms to USCIS can no longer include checks or money orders with their applications. They must instead use one of the two electronic payment methods: credit or debit card payments issued by a U.S. bank using Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) or ACH debit transactions from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650 (Authorization for ACH Transactions).

This requirement is specifically for paper-filed forms. Applications that are filed online through the USCIS website will continue to accept electronic payments, as they have done previously.

The Reason for the Change

According to USCIS, this move addresses several challenges that the agency had been facing. For example, payments that previously came in the form of checks and money orders contributed to processing delays and increased risks of fraud and lost payments. The switch to electronic payment helps to mitigate those challenges while streamlining the filing process. Additionally, USCIS claims that by eliminating physical payment methods, it removes the need for applicants and third-party payers to bring funds into the field office.

Benefits of Electronic Processing

USCIS claims that the transition to electronic payments offers several potential advantages including:

• Faster processing times: Electronic payments can be verified and processed more quickly than physical checks or money orders.
• Reduced fraud risk: Electronic transactions provide better tracking and security measures.
• Decreased payment loss: Digital records reduce the likelihood of lost or misplaced payments.

Limited Exemptions Available

Although electronic payment is now standard, USCIS recognizes that there are certain situations that require exemptions. Form G-1651 (Exemption for Paper Fee Payment) outlines specific circumstances under which applicants or third-party payers may be exempt from the electronic payment requirement. Those individuals who believe they qualify for an exemption should review the form carefully so that they can make an informed decision.

What This Means for Applicants Moving Forward

For paper filings moving forward, applicants should:

• Determine which electronic payment method works best for their situation
• Complete the appropriate authorization form (Form G-1450 or Form G-1650)
• Review exemption criteria on Form G-1651 if you cannot use electronic payment

The shift to electronic payments represents a significant procedural change that affects individuals filing paper immigration forms with USCIS. We hope that this shift allows for a more efficient and secure payment system that ultimately benefits applicants through faster processing and reduced risk of payment-related issues. However, this move to electronic payment exclusively will disadvantage those applicants who, for various reasons, may not have a U.S. credit card or a U.S. bank account in their name.

We will continue to monitor any updates on this matter, and we encourage readers to check our site regularly for important updates regarding this and all proceedings related to immigration law. Should you have questions about your specific immigration circumstance, we recommend that you contact our office at Pasricha & Patel, LLC to schedule a consultation.