USCIS Launches New ACH Debit Payment Option for Immigration Fees

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) On Friday introduced a new way for applicants and petitioners to pay immigration fees electronically using direct debit from U.S. bank accounts.

This change comes into effect immediately and involves completing and submitting Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, along with immigration applications, petitions, or requests.

Why USCIS is Making This Change

Until now, most USCIS accepts payments against immigration fees through paper checks and money orders, which often slowed processing and carried risks like fraud or lost payments. According to USCIS, over 90% of its payments are still made this way.

The new system supports the federal government’s push to modernize payments and aims to make the process safer and faster for everyone.

Payment Options Available

With this recently added options, applicants now have two electronic payment methods:

• ACH debit via Form G-1650 (from a U.S. bank account)
• Credit card via Form G-1450 (prepaid credit cards are also accepted)

It is worth noting that USCIS will continue to accept paper checks and money orders until October 28, 2025. After that date, USCIS will only accept payments through ACH debit and credit cards.

Form G-1650: Paying Fees by ACH Debit

If you want to pay USCIS fees directly from your U.S. bank account, you’ll need to use Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions. This form lets you enter your bank details so USCIS can debit the fee electronically, instead of mailing a paper check or money order.

Once submitted with your application, petition, or request, USCIS will pull the payment straight from your account.

What Travellers and Applicants Should Know

• Start using Form G-1650 for direct bank debit payments immediately.
• Credit card payments continue via Form G-1450.
• Paper checks and money orders will no longer be accepted after October 28, 2025.
• Ensure sufficient funds in your U.S. bank account to avoid rejected filings.
• If no U.S. bank account is available, use credit or prepaid cards as alternatives.
• This change could speed up processing and reduce payment errors and fraud risk.

This is a practical step forward for USCIS, aiming to make immigration fee payments smoother and safer for travellers and applicants involved.

Final Thoughts

The new electronic payment method changes how applicants pay fees for visas, green cards, and other immigration services, helping them avoid the hassles and risks of mailing paper payments.