On September 1, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a major shift in how filing fees are paid for immigration applications and petitions. In an effort to modernize its operations and reduce reliance on outdated payment methods, USCIS has rolled out a new electronic payment system that allows applicants to authorize direct withdrawals from a U.S. bank account.

This change is implemented through Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, which must now accompany filings where applicants choose to pay via bank debit.

Why the Change Matters

For years, the majority of USCIS payments have come through checks and money orders, both of which create delays and raise risks of loss or fraud. According to USCIS spokesperson Matthew J. Tragesser, “Over 90 percent 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.”

With the addition of ACH debit, USCIS aims to:

• Speed up processing times

• Reduce administrative costs

• Improve payment security

Key Dates and Options

• Until October 28, 2025: USCIS will continue to accept checks and money orders.

• After October 28, 2025: Only two payment methods will be allowed:

  • ACH debit using Form G-1650

  • Credit card payments using Form G-1450 (including prepaid cards)

This means applicants and petitioners must ensure they have access to either a U.S. bank account or a credit card when preparing filings.

Considerations for Applicants and Attorneys

While this change aligns USCIS with modern e-commerce practices, it also raises important considerations:

• Financial Access: Not all applicants maintain U.S. bank accounts. While credit cards remain an option, the requirement for direct access to banking systems may complicate filings for individuals abroad or those with limited banking access.

• Sensitive Information: Applicants will now be providing sensitive financial data—bank account and routing numbers—directly to USCIS. This elevates privacy and data security concerns.

• Ethical Duties for Attorneys: Legal representatives must carefully manage how client funds are collected, safeguarded, and transmitted under this new system. Transparency with clients will be essential.

• Risk of Rejections: USCIS has cautioned that applications may be rejected if payments fail due to insufficient funds. Applicants must be vigilant about account balances at the time of filing.

Broader Implications

The move away from checks and money orders represents a significant modernization of USCIS's financial systems. However, applicants should be prepared for potential growing pains during the rollout. As one practitioner noted, the shift could give USCIS another avenue to reject filings based on technical or clerical payment issues.

This new system will impact a wide range of filings, including:

• Green card applications

• Citizenship applications

• Employment authorization requests

• Family-based and employment-based petitions

What Applicants Should Do Now

1. Plan Ahead: Ensure access to a valid U.S. bank account or credit card before filing.

2. Maintain Funds: Double-check that sufficient funds are available to cover filing fees at the time of submission.

3. Stay Updated: Monitor USCIS policy guidance as the transition date approaches.

4. Consult Counsel: Work with immigration counsel to ensure filings are properly prepared and payments securely processed.

Conclusion

While the ACH debit option has the potential to streamline payments and reduce fraud, it also imposes new responsibilities and risks on applicants. The elimination of checks and money orders after October 28, 2025, marks a turning point in how USCIS manages fee collection. Applicants should take steps now to adapt to these changes and avoid avoidable rejections or delays.

At Saluja Law, we are closely monitoring this development to guide our clients through the transition.