August 29, 2025 | @DailyImmigrant — The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant modernization in how applicants can pay their immigration filing fees. Starting today, individuals can use a U.S. bank account to securely authorize direct debit payments using the newly introduced Form G-1650.
This change is part of a federal effort under Executive Order 14247: Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account, which aims to increase government efficiency and reduce paper-based processing.
“Over 90% of our payments come from checks and money orders, causing delays and increased risk,” said Matthew J. Tragesser, USCIS Spokesman. “America deserves better, and we intend to deliver.”
🔑 What’s Changing?
Previously, most payments to USCIS were made through paper checks, money orders, or credit cards. Now, applicants can submit Form G-1650, which authorizes USCIS to withdraw fees directly from a U.S. bank account using ACH (Automated Clearing House) debit.
This new method provides a secure, trackable, and faster alternative to mailing payments and may reduce the risk of payment delays or errors.
🧾 What Are the Options Now?
From now through October 28, 2025, USCIS will accept all four methods:
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- Paper check or money order (until Oct. 28)
- Credit card payments via Form G-1450
- Prepaid credit cards (with Form G-1450)
- Bank debit payments via Form G-1650
After October 28, only credit card and bank debit transactions will be accepted.
⚠️ Important Reminders:
- You must have a U.S. bank account to use Form G-1650.
- Insufficient funds may result in rejection of your application.
- Prepaid credit cards are still acceptable through Form G-1450.
USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to include this change and encourages applicants to carefully review instructions when submitting fees.
📲 Learn More:
For step-by-step instructions and downloadable forms, visit uscis.gov.
