Key Highlights
- All cheque and money order payments for immigration filings have been discontinued.
- Electronic debit authorization via Form G-1650 is now mandatory.
- Credit‑card payments remain available for H‑1B, green‑card, and employment‑authorization cases through Form G-1450.
- Applicants must verify bank details meticulously to avoid rejection.
- The change is part of USCIS’s broader digital transformation strategy.
Detailed Insights
In a decisive procedural overhaul, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ceased accepting cheques and money orders for all immigration‑related submissions. Beginning this week, every applicant is required to submit Form G-1650, which authorizes the agency to debit funds directly from a U.S. bank account. The agency’s spokesperson, Matthew J. Tragesser, emphasized that the transition is designed to enhance safety, speed, and overall efficiency of the payment process. Historically, more than ninety percent of payments were made via cheques or money orders, a method that frequently resulted in delays, fraud opportunities, and payment errors.
While the new rule eliminates cheque payments, credit‑card transactions are still permissible for certain visa categories. Applicants filing under the H‑1B program, green‑card petitions, or employment‑authorization requests may use Form G-1450 to pay by credit card. For employers submitting multiple H‑1B petitions, this shift could streamline record‑keeping and reduce administrative mistakes, though it also demands tighter coordination between finance departments and immigration counsel to ensure timely authorization and sufficient funds.
International students and new visa holders may face particular challenges. Many F‑1 students arriving in the United States for the first time lack a U.S. bank account, complicating the authorization of electronic debit. Likewise, H‑1B employees or their dependents applying from abroad may encounter obstacles if they cannot access U.S. banking facilities. USCIS advises applicants to double‑check account and routing numbers before submitting Form G-1650, as any inaccuracies can lead to application rejection. Applicants should also confirm with their bank that government debits are permitted and that adequate funds are available.
Alternative payment methods, such as prepaid or reloadable credit cards, may serve as temporary solutions for those without U.S. bank access, provided the cards meet USCIS payment‑authorization standards. Experts recommend establishing a U.S. bank account early or working with authorized representatives to ensure compliance before filing.
Overall, the policy change is viewed as a step toward a fully digital future. By eliminating manual payments, USCIS aims to reduce paperwork, curb fraud, and accelerate processing times. However, the move also places greater responsibility on applicants to guarantee payment accuracy, as there is little room for manual corrections or late payments. International applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance—such as opening U.S. bank accounts or confirming authorizations—to avoid costly delays or rejections.