USCIS announces important change in immigration fee payments

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the implementation of a significant change in the payment methods for its immigration processes, which will affect both citizens and applicants for visas, permanent residency, and other immigration statuses.

Starting from August 29, 2025, the agency began to allow payments via direct debit from U.S. bank accounts by submitting the new Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, according to an announcement from USCIS.

This change is in response to Executive Order 14247 -signed on March 25 of this year- which aims to modernize payments to and from U.S. bank accounts, reduce the use of paper, and mitigate risks associated with fraud, theft, and payment losses.

This will mean the elimination of checks and money orders by USCIS.

"More than 90% of our payments arrive in the form of checks and money orders. This causes delays, risks of fraud, and lost payments. The United States deserves better, and we will provide it," stated Matthew J. Tragesser, spokesperson for USCIS.

A definitive goodbye to checks and money orders

USCIS announced that, until October 28, 2025, it will continue to accept traditional payment methods such as printed checks and money orders, as well as credit cards using form G-1450.

However, starting from that date, these methods will be eliminated and only electronic payments will be allowed

-Direct debit (ACH) with Form G-1650.

- Credit card or prepaid credit with Form G-1450.

This change will mark the end of a common practice among many users of the U.S. immigration system, especially those who are not familiar with electronic platforms.

Who will be able to use this new system?

Only applicants with a bank account in the United States may use Form G-1650 for direct debit payments.

Those who do not have bank accounts in the country will still be able to use credit cards or prepaid cards through Form G-1450.

In both cases, USCIS warned that:

"Applicants must ensure that their accounts have sufficient funds to cover all filing fees. If the transaction is denied, the application may be rejected."

This represents a new direct financial responsibility for migrants, who will need to confirm the availability of funds before submitting any application.

Experts highlight benefits but also risks

While the measure was welcomed by some immigration lawyers for its potential to expedite processes, it has also raised concerns among the more vulnerable sectors of the migrant population.

Daniel Stephen Larson, an immigration attorney in San Francisco, stated that while the processes could be expedited, "the transition could particularly affect elderly individuals or those without a bank account in the U.S."

For her part, Emily Sumner, an immigration attorney in Virginia, stated that although she supports modernization, she is concerned about the handling of sensitive banking information on printed forms. "This represents a nightmare in terms of security and compliance," she noted.

A measure against fraud and payment theft

The transition to electronic payments also addresses a growing security concern. According to USCIS and the text of Executive Order 14247, reports of mail theft have surged since the pandemic.

A check from the Department of the Treasury is 16 times more likely to be reported as lost or stolen compared to an electronic transfer.

Paper payments "impose unnecessary costs, delays, and the risk of fraud."

Additionally, USCIS reminded that it has a dedicated section on its website for reporting immigration scams and frauds, ranging from fake representatives to counterfeit applications.

What should applicants do now?

From now on, those preparing applications or petitions to USCIS must take into account:

-If you have a bank account in the U.S., you can use Form G-1650 to make payments by direct debit.

If you don't have it, you must use a credit card (including prepaid) and Form G-1450.

-Check that the account or card has sufficient funds before submitting the request.

-Ensure to correctly submit the corresponding form along with the immigration application or request.

USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to reflect these changes, and it is expected to intensify its public information campaign to prevent unnecessary denials.

The elimination of checks and money orders by USCIS represents a structural change in the way immigration processes are managed in the United States.

Although the goal of modernizing and streamlining processes is positive, the impact on certain social sectors—especially the elderly, unbanked migrants, and individuals with technological difficulties—could be significant.

The grace period until October 2025 provides a critical window for transition, adaptation, and community education. During this time, the support of lawyers, immigration organizations, and media will be essential to inform, guide, and protect applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Change in USCIS Immigration Fee Payments