USCIS stopped accepting checks and money orders in 2024

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now requires all applicants to pay filing fees electronically. As of April 1, 2024, the agency no longer accepts paper checks, money orders, or cashier's checks for any immigration benefit request. This shift affects every form that carries a fee — from I-130 family petitions to I-485 adjustment of status applications to I-539 extension requests.

The mandate applies whether you file by mail or online. If you submit a paper form with a check, USCIS will reject it and return your entire process. If you file through the online system, you must enter payment information before the form can be submitted. There is no exception for applicants who lack bank accounts or prefer other payment methods.

USCIS implemented this change to reduce processing delays, lower administrative costs, and decrease the risk of lost or misdirected payments. The agency processes roughly 8 million applications per year, and manual check processing created bottlenecks at mail intake facilities.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS requires electronic payment for all immigration benefit fees as of April 1, 2024, and will reject applications submitted with checks or money orders.
  • You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer (ACH) through the USCIS online payment portal, regardless of whether you file by mail or online.
  • Payment must be submitted before your process is processed, and USCIS will not hold an process while you arrange payment later.
  • If you do not have a bank account or credit card, you can use a prepaid debit card or ask a trusted person to pay on your behalf using their account information.
  • The electronic payment requirement applies to all forms with fees, including family petitions, work authorization requests, and green card applications.

How to pay electronically when filing by mail

When you file a paper form by mail, you must generate a payment authorization code through the USCIS online payment portal before you send your process. You do not pay through the mail; you pay online first, then include proof of payment in your mailed envelope.

The process works like this: log into your USCIS account or create one at uscis.gov. Select the form you are filing and the service center where you will send it. Enter the number of applicants and any dependents, and the system will calculate the total fee. Choose your payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer — and complete the transaction. USCIS will issue a payment receipt with a confirmation number and a barcode.

Print that receipt and include it with your mailed process. Write the confirmation number on the outside of your envelope. When your process arrives at the service center, staff will scan the barcode and match it to your payment record. If the barcode is missing or illegible, your process may be delayed while USCIS locates your payment in their system.

Do not mail cash, checks, or money orders. USCIS will not process them, and your process will be returned incomplete.

How to pay electronically when filing online

If you file through the USCIS online portal, payment is built into the submission process. You cannot complete your process without entering payment information. The system accepts the same payment methods as the mail-in portal: credit card, debit card, or ACH transfer from a bank account.

After you fill out all required fields in your online form, you will reach a payment screen. Enter your payment method details and review the total fee one more time before confirming. Once you submit payment, you cannot change it — the charge will post to your account when ready. USCIS will send you a confirmation email with a receipt number and a link to read your payment proof.

Keep that receipt. If USCIS later claims they did not receive payment, you will need the confirmation number and timestamp to dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer and to request that USCIS investigate the missing payment on their end.

Payment methods USCIS accepts

Credit cards and debit cards are the fastest payment method. USCIS accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The charge posts to your account within one to three business days. There is no additional fee for using a card, though your card issuer may charge a cash advance fee if you use a credit card (some do, some do not — check your card's terms).

Electronic bank transfer (ACH) pulls money directly from your checking or savings account. This method is free and does not incur card fees. The transfer takes three to five business days to clear. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to complete an ACH payment.

Prepaid debit cards work like regular debit cards on the USCIS portal. You can purchase a prepaid card at most grocery stores, pharmacies, or online retailers. Load it with the amount you need to pay, then use it as your payment method. This option is useful if you do not have a traditional bank account or credit card.

USCIS does not accept PayPal, wire transfers, or third-party payment services. If someone offers to process your USCIS payment through an intermediary service, that is not an official USCIS channel and may be a scam.

What happens if you cannot pay electronically

If you do not have a bank account, credit card, or prepaid debit card, you have two options: obtain a prepaid card before filing, or ask someone you trust to pay on your behalf using their account information.

Prepaid debit cards are available at most retailers and require no credit check or bank account. You can load them with cash and use them when ready. The card will have a 16-digit number, expiration date, and CVV code — the same information USCIS needs to process payment.

If you ask someone else to pay, provide them with the exact fee amount and the form number you are filing. They will enter their own card or bank details into the USCIS payment portal. The payment will be recorded under their name in the system, but USCIS will match it to your process through the confirmation number and barcode. This does not affect your case or your rights to the benefit you are requesting.

Do not send cash through the mail, and do not ask someone to pay in person at a USCIS office. USCIS field offices do not accept walk-in payments, and cash sent by mail will not be processed.

Fees that fall under the electronic payment requirement

The electronic payment mandate covers all USCIS benefit request fees. This includes family-based petitions (I-130), employment-based petitions (I-140), work authorization (I-765), advance parole (I-131), adjustment of status (I-485), extension and re-entry permits (I-539), naturalization (N-400), and travel documents.

Some forms have no fee — for example, the I-765 for certain categories of humanitarian protection, or the I-539 for certain derivative beneficiaries. If your form has no fee, you will not see a payment screen, and you do not need to take any payment action.

Biometric services fees, name change fees, and replacement document fees are also subject to the electronic payment requirement. Check the fee schedule on uscis.gov for your specific form to confirm whether a fee applies.

What to do if your payment is declined or lost

If your card is declined, the USCIS payment portal will display an error message and will not allow you to proceed. Common reasons include insufficient funds, an expired card, or a card issuer's fraud block. Resolve the issue with your card issuer, then return to the portal and try again. You can attempt payment multiple times without penalty.

If you completed payment and received a confirmation number, but USCIS later tells you they have no record of it, contact your bank or card issuer when ready to confirm the charge posted to your account. If the charge went through, ask your bank for a transaction receipt showing the date, amount, and merchant (USCIS). Then contact USCIS by phone or through your online account to report the missing payment and provide your confirmation number. USCIS will investigate and either locate your payment or issue a refund so you can pay again.

Keep all payment receipts and confirmation numbers for at least one year after your case is decided. If a dispute arises, these documents are your proof that you paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay by check if I mail my process to USCIS?

No. USCIS will not accept checks, money orders, or cashier's checks under any circumstances. Your process will be returned if it includes a check. You must pay electronically through the USCIS portal before you mail your form.

What if I do not have internet access to pay online?

You can use a computer at a public library, community center, or internet café to access the USCIS payment portal. You need only a few minutes to enter your information and complete the transaction. Alternatively, ask someone with internet access to help you pay using their device and their payment method.

Do I have to pay the full fee upfront, or can I pay in installments?

USCIS requires full payment before your process is processed. The agency does not offer payment plans or installment options. You must pay the entire fee in one transaction.

Will USCIS refund my payment if my process is denied?

No. USCIS does not refund filing fees, even if your process is denied. The fee covers the cost of processing your request, regardless of the outcome. Some forms have separate fees for biometric services or medical exams; those are also non-refundable.

Can someone else file an process on my behalf and pay the fee?

Yes. An attorney, accredited representative, or trusted family member can file your process and pay the fee using their own payment method. The payment will be recorded under their name, but USCIS will match it to your case through the confirmation number. This does not affect your rights or your case status.