What Changed With USCIS ACH Payments

USCIS stopped accepting ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments for immigration benefit fees in 2024. If you were paying USCIS fees directly from your bank account through ACH, you can no longer use that method. The agency now requires you to pay by credit card, debit card, or check instead.

This change affects anyone filing forms that require a fee — including I-485 (adjustment of status), I-765 (work permit), I-131 (advance parole), I-539 (extension of stay), and many others. The shift happened because USCIS wanted to reduce processing delays and payment errors that sometimes occurred with ACH transfers.

If you have an existing case and were planning to pay by ACH, you will need to choose a different payment method before submitting your form. If you already submitted a form with ACH payment instructions, contact USCIS to update your payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS no longer accepts ACH payments for immigration benefit fees as of 2024.
  • You can now pay by credit card, debit card, or check through the USCIS payment portal or by mail.
  • If you submitted a form expecting to pay by ACH, you must contact USCIS to provide a different payment method.
  • Credit and debit card payments are processed when ready, while checks take longer and may delay your case.

Payment Methods Available Now

Credit and debit cards are the fastest option. You can pay online through the USCIS payment portal when you file your form electronically. The payment is processed right away, and you receive a confirmation number when ready. This method works for most forms filed through USCIS online systems.

Checks are still accepted if you file by mail. Write your check to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and include it with your paper process. Processing takes longer because the check must arrive, be deposited, and clear — which can add weeks to your case timeline. Include your receipt number or case number on the check so USCIS can match it to your form.

Money orders are accepted in the same way as checks when filing by mail. Some people use money orders instead of checks if they do not have a bank account or prefer not to share their account information.

Why USCIS Made This Change

ACH payments created problems that slowed down case processing. When payments were sent through ACH, USCIS had to wait for the transfer to clear, which could take several business days. During that time, the agency did not know whether the payment would succeed, so they could not move forward with reviewing the process.

ACH transfers also sometimes failed — a payment might be rejected due to insufficient funds, a closed account, or a typo in the routing number. When that happened, USCIS had to contact the applicant to request payment again, adding delays to the entire process. Credit and debit card payments are approved or declined when ready, so USCIS knows right away whether they can proceed.

The change also reduced errors in payment matching. With ACH, USCIS staff had to manually match incoming transfers to applications, which occasionally resulted in payments being applied to the wrong case. Card payments are tied directly to your online account, so there is no room for confusion.

How to Pay When You File

If you are filing a form online through USCIS, the payment portal will appear as part of the submission process. You will enter your card information (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) and the payment will process when ready. Keep your confirmation number — it proves you paid and is useful if you need to contact USCIS about your case.

If you are filing by mail, include a check or money order with your process package. Write your name and receipt number (or A-number if you have one) on the back of the check. Mail everything together to the address listed in the form instructions. Do not mail the payment separately — it needs to arrive with your process so USCIS can connect them.

Some forms still have fees that vary based on your age or circumstances. Check the form instructions or the USCIS fee schedule before you pay, so you send the correct amount. Sending too little will delay your case; sending too much means you will need to request a refund later.

What to Do If You Already Submitted a Form With ACH

If you filed a form before this change and indicated ACH as your payment method, USCIS will not process the payment. You need to contact USCIS to provide a new payment method. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or check your case status online at uscis.gov to see if there is a notice asking you to update your payment information.

When you contact USCIS, have your receipt number or case number ready. Tell them you need to change your payment method from ACH to credit card, debit card, or check. They will give you instructions for submitting the new payment. Do this as soon as possible — your case cannot move forward until USCIS receives payment.

If you already mailed a check or money order as a replacement payment, wait to hear from USCIS before sending another one. Sometimes both payments arrive and you will need to request a refund for the duplicate.

Fees and Processing Times

The fee amount itself has not changed — only the way you pay. USCIS fees vary by form type and range from $0 (for some humanitarian forms) to several hundred dollars. Check the specific form you are filing to see the current fee.

Credit and debit card payments are processed on the same day you submit them, so your case can move into review when ready. Check payments take 5 to 10 business days to clear, which means your case will not move forward until the check has been deposited and verified. This delay can add weeks to your overall processing time, so card payment is faster if you have that option.

USCIS does not charge an extra fee for paying by card or check. The fee you see is the immigration benefit fee only — there are no processing fees or payment method surcharges added on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still pay by ACH if I have a pending case?

No. USCIS stopped accepting ACH payments for all new and pending cases in 2024. If your case requires a payment and you have not paid yet, you must use credit card, debit card, or check. Contact USCIS if you are unsure whether your case still needs payment.

What if I do not have a credit or debit card?

You can pay by check or money order when you file by mail. If you do not have a bank account, you can purchase a money order at most grocery stores, pharmacies, or check-cashing services for a small fee. Include it with your mailed process.

Will paying by card delay my case?

No — card payments are processed when ready and your case can move into review right away. Checks take longer because they must be mailed, deposited, and cleared, which can add 5 to 10 business days or more.

What happens if my card payment is declined?

USCIS will notify you that the payment failed. You will need to contact them to submit a new payment using a different card or method. Your case cannot proceed until payment is received, so respond quickly to any notices from USCIS.

Do I need to do anything if I already paid by card?

No. If you already submitted your form and paid by credit or debit card, your payment has been processed and your case is moving forward normally. You do not need to take any action.