The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a major change that officially takes effect today, October 29. From now on, anyone submitting paper-based immigration forms must make payments electronically.

According to USCIS, applicants can complete payments using either a credit or debit card through Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions), or via ACH debit transactions from a U.S. bank account using Form G-1650 (Authorization for ACH Transactions).

Why USCIS Is Moving to Electronic Payments

The decision to accept payments online aims to modernise how USCIS processes immigration-related payments. The goal of requiring electronic transactions is to eliminate the necessity for applicants or third parties to bring physical cash into field offices. This may reduce administrative delays, the possibility of fraud, and payment losses.

The move also aligns with Executive Order 14247, which directs all U.S. government agencies to transition toward fully electronic payments as part of a nationwide modernisation push.

“Modernising financial transactions to and from the federal government is a priority for the Trump administration,” USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser said.

“Over 90 per cent of our payments currently come through checks and money orders, which cause processing delays and potential fraud. This is a no-brainer move.”

What This Means for Applicants

Applicants filing forms online will not see any change, as USCIS already accepts online payments through the secure pay.gov platform. Those using their USCIS online account can also follow guided steps to complete and pay for forms digitally, making the process smoother and less error-prone.

However, for individuals or organisations still submitting paper-based forms, electronic payment is now mandatory unless they qualify for an exemption.

Who Qualifies for an Exemption

In specific cases, applicants or third-party payors may be exempt from the electronic payment rule. To request an exemption, they must file Form G-1651 (Exemption for Paper Fee Payment). This form outlines the limited circumstances under which traditional payments may still be accepted.

How to Use Form G-1450 and G-1650

Form G-1450

The Form G-1450 allows applicants to pay USCIS fees using a credit or debit card when submitting paper-based immigration applications.

Form G-1650

The Form G-1650 enables applicants to make electronic payments directly from a U.S. bank account through an ACH debit for paper-filed applications.

The Bigger Picture

The electronic payment requirement marks another step toward USCIS’s long-term goal of fully digitising its operations. The agency has been gradually introducing online filing options for a range of immigration benefits, from green card renewals to work permits and visa petitions.

For applicants, this update may require minor adjustments, but the goal is to achieve a more efficient and transparent payment process in the long run.

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