The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially transitioned to an all-digital payment system for immigration filing fees, ending the use of paper-based payments such as checks and money orders. Effective October 28, 2025, all applicants and petitioners must now pay fees either through ACH debit transactions using Form G-1650 or by credit or debit card using Form G-1450.
The change follows Executive Order 14247, signed on March 25, 2025, which directed all federal agencies to phase out paper-based payments to reduce costs, fraud, and inefficiencies. The order cited growing incidents of mail theft and the high cost of maintaining paper processing systems—estimated at over $657 million in Fiscal Year 2024.
The new Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, enables secure direct payments from U.S. bank accounts at no additional cost. However, USCIS clarified that ACH payments can only be made through U.S. banking institutions. Applicants without U.S. bank accounts may continue to use Form G-1450 for credit or prepaid card payments.
USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser emphasized that the modernization aims to improve security and processing speed. “Over 90% of our payments come from checks and money orders, causing processing delays and increasing the risk of fraud and lost payments. America deserves better, and we intend to deliver,” he explained.
For applicants and petitioners, the new system offers faster confirmation, better tracking, and a lower risk of lost or rejected payments. Employers sponsoring foreign workers can expect more efficient processing and improved record-keeping. Applicants should ensure sufficient funds when submitting payments, as failed transactions may lead to rejected applications.
