USCIS to Mandate Electronic Payments for Applications

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting only electronic payments for all paper-filed immigration forms from 28 October, replacing traditional paper-based payment methods.

The agency said the move is part of a federal effort to modernise financial systems under Executive Order 14247, which directs all federal agencies to adopt digital payment processes. Applicants and authorised payors submitting paper forms will now be required to use one of two approved electronic options: credit or debit card payments via Form G-1450, or Automated Clearing House (ACH) debit transactions from US bank accounts through Form G-1650.

USCIS said that the policy aims to eliminate the need for physical payments at field offices, reduce administrative workloads, and lower the risks associated with handling cheques and money orders. USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said the transition would address long-standing inefficiencies. 

“Modernising financial transactions to and from the federal government is a priority for the Trump administration. Over 90% of our payments come from cheques and money orders, causing delays and increasing the risk of fraud and lost payments,” he said.

Electronic payments are already available for applicants who file forms online through their USCIS accounts or via the agency’s electronic PDF intake system. These platforms guide users through form submission and offer secure payment options through pay.gov, the federal government’s official payment portal.

Certain applicants may request an exemption from the new rule by submitting Form G-1651. USCIS has not yet specified the eligibility criteria for such exemptions but advises applicants to review the form’s instructions for details.