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USCIS Ends Acceptance of Checks and Money Orders: What You Must Know in 2025
As of late 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has eliminated the option to pay immigration-related filing fees by check or money order, marking a significant operational shift aimed at digitizing and streamlining payment processes. From now on, only ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers or credit card payments will be accepted.
If you’re preparing to file an immigration application, it is absolutely critical to understand the new payment procedures to prevent a rejection due to improper filing.
Form G-1450 and G-1650: Choosing the Right Payment Method
To pay by ACH (bank account withdrawal), applicants must now submit Form G-1450, a newly released form specifically designed to authorize a one-time direct debit from a U.S.-based checking or savings account. If you’re paying by credit card, you’ll still use Form G-1450, which continues to authorize a one-time card payment.
Note: This naming overlap in forms is due to updated USCIS conventions. Be sure to use the most current version, available directly at uscis.gov.
Insufficient Funds Will Result in Denial
When paying by ACH, it is essential that sufficient funds are available in the designated account at the time of filing. USCIS has confirmed that if an ACH payment fails, they will attempt to process the payment a second time. However, if both attempts fail, the application will be rejected in its entirety.
This two-attempt policy also applies to credit card charges — a declined card will be retried once before rejection.
Who Can Pay and How Many Forms Are Required?
Unlike prior rules where the petitioner or beneficiary was typically the payer, USCIS now allows third parties to submit payment on behalf of applicants. This includes attorneys, family members, or employers.
However, USCIS requires that you:
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Submit a separate G-1450 form for each payment source,
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Do not combine multiple filing fees into a single form,
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Do not use both a credit card and ACH across the same filing — it’s one or the other, not both.
For example, if you are using two bank accounts to cover your total filing fee, you must submit two separate G-1450 forms, each specifying the amount to be withdrawn from the respective account.
Where to Place the Payment Form
To ensure proper processing, place your payment authorization form at the top of the application package. USCIS has clearly stated they will not search through the filing to locate payment documents. A missing or misfiled payment form may result in rejection — and the loss of precious time in your immigration process.
Spar & Bernstein Can Help You File Correctly and On Time
As USCIS modernizes its payment processes, the risk of rejection due to administrative errors increases — especially with the transition away from familiar check-based payments. At Spar & Bernstein, we understand how stressful immigration filings can be, and we ensure every detail — including your payment method — is filed correctly the first time.
Whether you’re filing an I-130 for a relative, adjusting status through an I-485, or applying for U.S. citizenship, our attorneys are here to guide you through each step, including precise payment form completion and submission strategy.
For up-to-date information and forms, always consult the official source at uscis.gov. If you’re unsure about how to proceed or which payment method is right for your case, contact Spar & Bernstein today to ensure your application is processed without delay.
