USCIS Modernizes Fee Payments with ACH Debit via Form G-1650

(WASHINGTON) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new way to pay immigration filing fees by electronic debit from a U.S. bank account, effective immediately. The agency will now accept direct bank withdrawals — known as ACH Transactions — when applicants include the newly released [Form G-1650] that authorizes USCIS to debit their account. The change applies nationwide and covers applications, petitions, and requests sent to USCIS lockboxes and service centers. Officials say the goal is faster processing, fewer lost payments, and lower fraud risk as the system moves away from paper checks and money orders.

The move follows Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account, which directs agencies to modernize how they collect and send money. USCIS spokesman Matthew J. Tragesser said the agency must run “as efficiently and securely as possible,” adding that more than 90% of payments previously arrived by check or money order, which slowed processing and increased the chance of fraud or lost mail. “America deserves better, and we intend to deliver,” he said.

How the new process works

Under the new process, applicants can pay fees by authorizing an electronic debit directly from a U.S. bank account. To do this, applicants must:

1. Complete and sign [Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions].
2. Place the signed form on top of their filing package.
3. Mail the package to the correct USCIS lockbox or service center address.

USCIS confirmed this option works alongside existing card payments using [Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions], giving filers a choice between bank debits and credit cards. The agency has also updated its Policy Manual to list ACH debit as an acceptable payment method.

Important deadline and transition schedule

• New system live: ACH payments available immediately (live as of Aug. 29, 2025).
• Cutoff for paper checks and money orders: Oct. 28, 2025.
• After Oct. 28, 2025: USCIS will accept only:
  • Electronic debit using Form G-1650, and
  • Credit card using Form G-1450, for mailed filings.

This transition gives filers time to update workflows, but applicants should plan now to avoid rejected filings after the cutoff.

Warning: Paper checks and money orders will not be accepted for mailed filings after Oct. 28, 2025. Make needed changes before that date.

Why USCIS is making the change

ACH Transactions move money directly between banks (not a wire transfer and not a card payment). ACH is commonly used for payroll and bill payments in the U.S.; USCIS is applying it to immigration fees so it doesn’t need to open envelopes, scan checks, or wait for funds to clear.

USCIS cites these benefits:
– Faster fee collection and fewer manual steps
– Lower risk of lost or stolen payments
– Reduced fraud from counterfeit checks or altered money orders

Who cannot use Form G-1650

• Non-U.S. bank account holders cannot use Form G-1650.
• Alternatives:
  • Pay by credit card using [Form G-1450].
  • Prepaid credit cards are allowed, which helps international students, visitors, and newcomers who lack U.S. bank accounts.

Key filer responsibilities and risks

Applicants must ensure their bank account has enough funds to cover all filing fees.

• If the debit is denied (insufficient funds or other reason), USCIS may reject the entire filing. Rejection can cause missed deadlines, loss of status, or the need to refile.
• If an applicant enters the wrong routing or account number, the debit will fail and the filing may be rejected.
• People who share accounts must confirm they have permission to authorize the debit.
• For large filings with multiple forms, consider splitting payments by form to reduce risk that one denied payment rejects the entire package.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the new approach should reduce overall delays but shifts more responsibility to filers to verify balances and account numbers before mailing.

Practical impact for high-volume filers

High-volume filers likely to be affected include:
– Corporate HR teams (multiple I-129s, I-140s each month)
– University international offices (large batches for F-1, J-1 programs)
– Nonprofits representing humanitarian applicants
– Law firms that traditionally use client trust account checks

Recommendations for these stakeholders:
– Review and update payment workflows now.
– Coordinate bank authorization in centralized accounts payable systems.
– Consider credit cards if shared bank accounts create complications.
– Train staff to place the correct payment form on top of each package and to double-check routing/account numbers.

What to include on Form G-1650

USCIS emphasizes:
– Complete the payment form fully.
– Sign the form — unsigned forms will not be processed.
– Include bank routing number and account number.
– Ensure the fee amount on the authorization matches the application fee.

Security and operational notes

USCIS processes payments using Treasury systems designed to protect sensitive data. Moving away from physical checks reduces:
– Theft from mailboxes or mailrooms
– Problems with “returned checks” weeks after filing

The change supports filers who prefer a simpler paperless payment step while still mailing required documents for forms not eligible for online filing.

Practical checklist for applicants

Follow this step-by-step checklist before mailing a package:

1. Decide whether to pay by electronic debit or credit card.
2. Use [Form G-1650] for bank debits; use [Form G-1450] for credit cards.
3. Confirm the exact fee for each form.
4. Verify bank or card funds are available for the full amount.
5. Sign the payment form and place it on top of the application package.
6. Mail to the correct lockbox or service center address.

Additional practical advice

• Employers with strict internal controls may prefer card payments to keep banking credentials limited to finance staff.
• Solo applicants may prefer electronic debit to avoid card limits or fees.
• Keep a copy of the signed authorization form for your records.
• Check the current fee schedule before filing; USCIS did not list a new ACH surcharge but verify fees on the agency site.

For official step-by-step payment instructions and current fees, see USCIS’s Filing Fees guidance on the agency’s website at the USCIS Filing Fees page. That page explains acceptable payment methods, where to send forms, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Bottom line and final reminders

• The modernization aims to reduce processing delays and fraud risk by removing paper checks and money orders.
• The critical deadline is Oct. 28, 2025 — after which mailed filings will accept only Form G-1650 (ACH) or Form G-1450 (credit card).
• Start updating internal procedures now to avoid rejected filings and missed deadlines.

“Removes a fragile step from the process.”
— An immigration attorney who files family-based cases, noting that direct debit can replace uncertain check-cashing and reduce stress during an emotional time.

A careful, step-by-step approach today — verify fees on the USCIS site, use the correct payment form, and keep a copy of the signed authorization — will prevent painful rework tomorrow.