USCIS is launching a new electronic payment policy for paper immigration travel forms to enhance efficiency

Posted on October 30, 2025

As of October 29, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will only accept electronic payments for paper immigration travel applications, marking a major shift in how payments are processed. The move is designed to simplify the immigration process, reduce administrative inefficiency, and modernize the payment system. By moving to digital-only transactions, USCIS aims to enhance payment security, eliminate cash handling, and ensure a more efficient experience for applicants. This change is also in line with a broader drive by the federal government to digitize services, providing applicants with a more streamlined and faster way to submit payments.

As of October 29, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a major policy change that affects the way applicants make payments on paper immigration forms. From now on, all payments for paper applications must be made electronically. This transformation represents a crucial step towards modernizing the immigration system, simplifying payment processes, and reducing administrative inefficiencies.

Transition to digital payments

In a move to streamline processes and reduce reliance on manual processes, USCIS now requires that all paper immigration forms be accompanied by electronic payments. Applicants may complete payments using either a credit or debit card, which is facilitated through Form G-1450 (Credit Card Transaction Authorization), or through ACH (Automated Clearing House) bank transfer using Form G-1650 (ACH Transaction Authorization).

This change is intended to eliminate the need for applicants to present physical cash at USCIS field offices, a practice that can often cause delays or create logistical issues. The move to digital payments forms part of a larger federal initiative aimed at modernizing government services, with a focus on improving efficiency, security and transparency.

Motivation behind change

The shift to electronic payments is driven by several factors, all aimed at improving the overall USCIS experience. It primarily reflects the agency’s commitment to modernizing its payment systems. Previously, applicants or third-party payers were required to submit payments in cash or paper checks, which could result in payment losses, fraud, or processing delays.

By requiring electronic payment, USCIS hopes to eliminate many of these issues, ensuring that transactions are processed more quickly and accurately. This change is also consistent with Executive Order 14247, a government-wide push directing federal agencies to fully adopt electronic payment systems.

In addition to enhancing payment security, these modernization efforts aim to reduce the administrative burden on USCIS employees, who previously had to handle cash or paper checks by hand, which increases processing time and increases the risk of human error.

Impact on applicants

For those who file their immigration forms online, this change will not affect their payment process. USCIS already accepts online payments through the secure pay.gov platform. Applicants who submit their applications through an online USCIS account can continue to use the existing digital payment system, which allows for easy step-by-step guidance for completing their application.

However, for those who still choose to submit paper applications, the situation has changed. As of October 29, electronic payment is mandatory for these applicants, unless they qualify for an exemption. This includes individuals and organizations who submit forms via traditional mail, who must now use credit or debit cards or ACH transfer to pay their application fees.

Exceptions to the rule

While the new payment method is mandatory for most applicants, there are specific circumstances in which individuals or third-party payers may be exempt from this requirement. To request a waiver, applicants must submit Form G-1651 (Paper Fee Waiver). This form describes the limited circumstances in which traditional payment methods – such as checks or money orders – may still be accepted by USCIS.

It is expected that exemptions will be rare and designed to accommodate individuals or organizations that may not have access to electronic payment systems or those who face specific difficulties that make electronic payments impractical.

How to use models G-1450 and G-1650

Form G-1450: Credit and Debit Card Payments

Form G-1450 is designed for applicants who prefer to pay USCIS fees using a credit or debit card. This form can be submitted along with the paper immigration application to authorize payment. Applicants are required to provide details about their credit or debit card, including the card number, expiry date and security code, ensuring the transaction can be processed securely.

Form G-1650: ACH Wire Transfer Payments

Form G-1650 is an alternative for those who wish to make an electronic payment directly from a US bank account. Through the ACH system, applicants can authorize USCIS to deduct the appropriate amount from their checking or savings account. This form also requires applicants to provide their bank account details, including routing and account numbers, to facilitate the transfer process.

USCIS Digital Transformation

This shift toward electronic payments is just one part of USCIS’s broader plan to digitize its operations. Over the years, the agency has gradually moved from paper-based processes to fully online filing systems for various immigration benefits. These include green card renewals, work permits, and visa applications, among others.

By simplifying the payment process, USCIS is creating a more efficient and transparent immigration system. While this new policy will require some minor adjustments for applicants accustomed to traditional payment methods, the agency expects this move to significantly improve the applicant experience in the long term.

For the future, USCIS aims to expand its online services, with the ultimate goal of offering a seamless, fully digital process for all aspects of immigration application and payment. This is in line with the broader trend in both the public and private sectors to move away from legacy paper-based systems in favor of faster, more secure digital platforms.

The move to electronic payments for paper immigration forms is a pivotal step for USCIS as it embraces modernization and efficiency. As of October 29, applicants will no longer be able to pay paper application fees using cash or traditional methods. Instead, they should use electronic payments via credit card or ACH bank transfer, which ensures a faster and more secure process.

While this change will primarily affect those submitting paper forms, online applicants will not notice any interruption to their existing payment methods. Furthermore, the possibility of exemptions ensures that those with limited access to electronic payment methods are not left behind. This move not only supports USCIS’s broader digital transformation, but also aligns with national efforts to modernize federal government operations.

Effective October 29, USCIS will require electronic payment for paper immigration travel applications to simplify the process and enhance payment security. This transformation is consistent with broader efforts to modernize government services and reduce administrative inefficiencies.

Ultimately, this update promises to make the immigration application process more efficient, secure and transparent, paving the way for a future where digital systems govern the entire immigration experience.