USCIS Implements Electronic Payment System for Filing Fees

Strategic Insights -

USCIS has introduced a new way to pay filing fees using electronic debit from a US bank account, effective October 28, 2025. The change mandates that all filing fees for petitions and applications be made electronically via a US bank account or credit/debit card. This new rule applies to H-1B and green card applicants, as well as employers filing petitions for foreign workers, educational institutions, and immigration counsel who handle filings for foreign students and dependents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new electronic payment system for USCIS filing fees uses ACH debit transactions or credit card payments, with Form G-1650 for ACH debit and Form G-1450 for credit card payments.
  • All applications will be rejected if payments fail or come from non-US bank accounts.
  • The ACH debit payment option is available in addition to the existing credit card payment option using Form G-1450.
  • Limited hardship exemptions (Form G-1651) are available for individuals unable to pay electronically.
  • H-1B and green card applicants, as well as employers, educational institutions, and immigration counsel handling filings, will be impacted by this new rule.
  • Foreign students or H-1B applicants not having a US bank account can use Form G-1450 with a credit or debit card, prepaid card, or have someone in the US process the payment on their behalf.

Statistics:

  • As of October 28, 2025, all USCIS filing fees must be paid electronically via a US bank account or credit/debit card.
  • The ACH debit payment option using Form G-1650 allows for automatic withdrawal from a US bank account.
  • Credit card payments using Form G-1450 are also accepted for filing fees.

Sources:

  • [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, October 2025]
  • [KE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., 2025, distributed by Contify.com]