USCIS to Begin Accepting ACH Payments for Fees — and Phase Out Paper Checks & Money Orders

On August 29, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would begin accepting ACH transactions to pay for USCIS fees. The change follows an executive order from March directing all federal departments to begin transitioning to an electronic payment system.

What USCIS Announced

USCIS charges various fees during the visa application process—including filing fees, biometrics services fees, and asylum fees—depending on which form you're submitting. Up until now, applicants could pay these fees online or by mail using payment authorization forms for checks, money orders, or credit cards.

With this announcement, ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments are now accepted as an additional option for those filing by mail.

At the same time, USCIS is phasing out paper checks and money orders. The agency says this change will speed up processing times and reduce the risk of fraud and lost payments.

Starting October 28, 2025, applicants will only be able to pay USCIS fees using a debit card, credit card, or ACH debit transaction.

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USCIS ACH payments only available to those filing by mail

If you're submitting a USCIS form by mail, you now have the option to pay your filing fees via ACH. However, ACH is just one of several payment methods available. The options you can use depend on whether you're filing online or by mail.

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Payment options for mailed applications

When filing by mail, you can pay using:

• ACH payment – The new electronic option using Form G-1650
• Credit card – Using the appropriate payment authorization form
• Paper check or money order – Available only until October 28, 2025

Payment options for online filings

When filing online through the USCIS website, you can pay using:

• Credit, debit, or prepaid card – Standard card payment
• Electronic bank withdrawal (e-check) – Direct withdrawal from your bank account

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Important: ACH payments are not available for online filings. This option is only for applications submitted by mail.

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Step-by-step: How to pay USCIS fees by ACH

To pay your USCIS filing fees using ACH, you (or your attorney or petitioner) must submit Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions along with your application package. This form collects your bank account holder information, account number, and routing number so USCIS can debit the fees directly from your U.S. bank account.

Before you mail your forms, make sure you:

• Complete a separate Form G-1650 for each fee you're paying. If you're submitting multiple forms with different fees, include one G-1650 for each payment.
• Fill out the form in black ink. All sections must be completed clearly and legibly.
• Place Form G-1650 on top of your application package. It should be the first document USCIS sees when they open your envelope.
• Ensure your bank allows ACH debits from USCIS. You may need to contact your bank to remove any ACH Debit Block and authorize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to withdraw funds.

Once USCIS receives your application, the filing fee will be debited from the bank account listed on your Form G-1650.

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Important: There is no filing fee for Form G-1650 itself—you only pay the underlying USCIS application or petition fee.

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You'll need access to a U.S.-based bank account for ACH payments

To use the ACH payment option, you must have a U.S. checking or savings account.

Non-resident applicants with a U.S. address can typically open an account at major U.S. banks. If that's not feasible, consider these alternatives:

• Have your sponsor or immigration attorney pay the fees from their bank account or credit card.
• Purchase a prepaid credit card to submit payment.

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