On August 29, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant change to how applicants can pay filing fees. Individuals now have the option to make payments directly from a U.S. bank account through a secure system known as ACH debit transactions.
This update is part of USCIS’s effort to modernize the payment process, aligning with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account. According to USCIS, the goal is to make transactions faster, safer, and more efficient, while reducing reliance on traditional checks and money orders that can slow processing and increase the risk of fraud or lost payments.
How the New System Works
Applicants who wish to use this method must complete and sign Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, and submit it with their immigration application, petition, or request. Funds are then withdrawn directly from a U.S. bank account.
This option comes in addition to the already available Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, giving applicants multiple ways to pay.
Why This Matters for Applicants
This change will likely reduce delays caused by processing physical payments, creating a smoother system for both applicants and USCIS officers. However, it also means applicants need to plan ahead:
- Make sure you have access to a U.S. bank account if you plan to use the new ACH debit option.
- If you don’t, you can still use Form G-1450 with a credit card, including prepaid cards.
- Carefully check your payment details before submitting to avoid rejections that could impact filing timelines
At Zhang-Louie PLLC, we know that even small procedural changes—like how filing fees must be paid—can have a major impact on immigration cases. Our team stays up to date with USCIS policy updates to guide clients through each step of the process with clarity and confidence.
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