USCIS Ends Cheque and Money Order Payments for Immigration Filings

• The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ended the acceptance of cheque and money order payments for all immigration-related filings. Starting in November 2025 , applicants must now make payments electronically through Form G-1650 , marking a major shift toward a digital and paperless immigration system.

Transition to Electronic Debit System

• Form G-1650 authorises USCIS to directly withdraw filing fees from a US-based bank account specified by the applicant. The agency stated that this move aims to reduce fraud risks, eliminate postal delays, and improve payment tracking. According to USCIS spokesperson Matthew J. Tragesser , over 90% of earlier payments relied on cheques or money orders, which often slowed down case processing. The electronic debit system ensures faster, more secure transactions and enhances transparency for both applicants and the agency.

Credit Card Option for Certain Applicants

• While the new rule applies broadly, employers and certain visa applicants still retain the option to pay via credit card using Form G-1450 . This includes applications under H-1B , employment authorisation , green card , and travel document categories. For corporate employers, the digital payment model is expected to simplify record-keeping and reduce administrative errors. However, USCIS advises that HR and finance departments coordinate closely to avoid processing delays due to mismatched payment details.

Challenges for International Students and New Visa Holders

• The change may create temporary hurdles for international students (F-1 visa holders) and new arrivals who do not yet have US bank accounts. Since Form G-1650 requires a valid US account, many students may face difficulty completing payments immediately after arrival. USCIS recommends applicants verify their routing and account numbers carefully to prevent rejections. Those without banking access may use prepaid or reloadable credit cards , provided they comply with US federal payment regulations.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• USCIS ended cheque and money order payments in 2025 .

• Form G-1650 is mandatory for electronic debit payments.

• Form G-1450 remains valid for credit card transactions.

• The policy impacts H-1B , F-1 , and green card applicants.

Digital Modernisation Drive

This move is part of USCIS’s broader digital transformation initiative , which seeks to make immigration processing faster, more secure, and fully paperless. Experts advise global applicants to prepare early—by setting up US bank accounts and reviewing payment authorisations—to ensure smooth processing under the new system.