What changed with USCIS payments in 2024

USCIS stopped accepting checks and money orders for most immigration forms starting in a specific date in 2024. The agency now requires payments through credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer. If you are filing a form that still allows checks — primarily I-131 (Advance Parole) and I-765 (Work Permit) when filed together — you can mail them, but most other petitions and applications must be paid electronically.

The filing fees themselves did not change across the board. However, USCIS added new payment processing fees when you pay by credit or debit card. These fees are separate from the form's base filing fee and are set by the payment processor, not USCIS. The amount varies depending on which payment method you choose and which form you are filing.

The shift happened because USCIS moved to a new payment system contractor. The old system accepted checks and money orders with no extra charge. The new system is electronic-only for most forms and adds a processing fee on top of your filing fee when you use a card.

Key Takeaways

  • Most USCIS forms now require payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer; checks and money orders are no longer accepted for the majority of applications.
  • Credit and debit card payments include an additional processing fee on top of the form's base filing fee, while electronic bank transfer typically has no added fee.
  • Forms I-131 and I-765, when filed together, still accept checks and money orders by mail as an alternative to electronic payment.
  • You must pay electronically when filing online through the USCIS portal or when filing by mail for forms that no longer accept checks.

Which payment methods USCIS now accepts

USCIS accepts three payment methods for forms that require electronic payment: credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit card (same networks), and electronic bank transfer through the ACH system. When you file online through the USCIS portal, you enter your card or bank details directly into the form. When you file by mail for a form that still allows it, you can include a check or money order, but this applies to very few forms now.

Electronic bank transfer is the only method that does not add a processing fee. If you have a U.S. bank account, this is the cheapest way to pay. You provide your routing number and account number, and USCIS withdraws the exact filing fee with no markup. Credit and debit card payments both trigger a processing fee that the payment processor charges on top of your filing fee.

If you are filing by mail and your form still accepts checks, you can mail a personal check or money order to the address listed in the form's instructions. However, USCIS recommends electronic payment because it processes faster and you receive when ready confirmation that the payment went through.

How much the processing fees are

The processing fee for credit and debit card payments is not a flat amount — it is a percentage of your filing fee plus a small fixed charge. The exact percentage and fixed charge depend on the payment processor's contract with USCIS and can vary. As of 2024, the fee structure is typically around 2.2% of the filing fee plus $0.30, but you should confirm the exact amount when you reach the payment screen during your process.

For example, if you are filing an I-485 (process to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with a base filing fee of $640, and you pay by credit card, you would see the processing fee calculated and displayed before you confirm the payment. The total amount you pay would be the $640 plus the card processing fee. If you pay by electronic bank transfer instead, you pay only the $640.

Some forms have no filing fee at all (like the I-131 when filed alone), so there is no processing fee to add. Check your form's instructions to see whether a fee applies before you begin the payment process.

Why USCIS made this change

USCIS switched to a new payment processor to modernize its system and reduce the time it takes to confirm payments. The old system required staff to manually process checks and money orders, which delayed confirmation and created a backlog. Electronic payments are processed when ready, and the applicant receives a receipt when ready.

The processing fees are charged by the payment processor, not by USCIS. The agency does not keep this money — it goes to the contractor who handles the transaction. USCIS argues that the convenience and speed of electronic payment offset the small additional cost for most filers.

The change also aligns USCIS with other federal agencies that have moved to electronic-only payment systems. However, the agency kept checks and money orders as an option for a small number of forms to accommodate filers who do not have access to credit cards or bank accounts.

How to pay when you file online

When you file through the USCIS online portal, you reach the payment screen after you complete all your form fields and upload your documents. The portal displays the total filing fee and any applicable processing fee. You then choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer.

If you choose a card, you enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and the cardholder's name and address. The system processes the payment when ready and shows you a confirmation number. If you choose electronic bank transfer, you provide your routing number and account number, and the system processes the withdrawal within one to two business days.

Keep your confirmation number and receipt. USCIS uses this number to track your payment if there is ever a question about whether your fee was received. You do not need to mail anything else if you filed online — the payment and process are both submitted electronically.

How to pay when you file by mail

If you are filing by mail for a form that still accepts checks or money orders, include your payment with your process package. Write your name and the form number on the check or money order. Mail everything to the address listed in the form's instructions — this varies by form and by whether you are filing from inside or outside the United States.

USCIS recommends sending payment by check rather than money order because checks are easier to track. Do not send cash. If you are mailing from outside the U.S., check the form's instructions for whether you should send a check drawn on a U.S. bank or an international money order.

Processing times for mailed payments are longer than for electronic payments. USCIS staff must receive your envelope, open it, log the payment, and match it to your process. This can take several weeks. If you have the option to file online and pay electronically, doing so will get your process processed faster.

What to do if you do not have a credit card or bank account

If you cannot pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer, your options are limited but not zero. First, check whether your form is one of the few that still accepts checks or money orders by mail. The I-131 and I-765, when filed together, are the primary examples. If your form is on that list, you can file by mail and include a check or money order.

If your form requires electronic payment and you do not have a credit card or debit card, you can ask a trusted family member or friend to pay on your behalf using their card. They would enter their card information during the online filing process. Some community organizations and immigration legal aid groups also help people file USCIS forms and can process payments for you.

If you have a bank account but no debit card, you can use electronic bank transfer, which has no processing fee. This is the cheapest option and does not require a credit card. Contact your bank if you are unsure how to provide your routing and account numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still pay USCIS by check?

Only for a small number of forms, primarily the I-131 (Advance Parole) and I-765 (Work Permit) when filed together. Most other forms require electronic payment. Check your specific form's instructions to see whether checks are still accepted.

Is the processing fee refundable if my process is denied?

No. The processing fee is charged by the payment processor and is not part of the filing fee that USCIS collects. If your process is denied, USCIS does not refund the filing fee, and the processing fee is not refunded either.

What happens if my card payment fails?

The online system will tell you when ready that the payment did not go through and will ask you to try again. You can use a different card or switch to electronic bank transfer. If you are filing by mail and your check bounces, USCIS will send you a notice asking you to resubmit payment.

Can I pay in installments?

USCIS does not offer payment plans for filing fees. You must pay the full amount before your process is considered complete. Some forms allow you to request a fee reduction or waiver if you meet income requirements, but this is a separate process from payment.

Do I need to pay the processing fee if I file by mail?

No. The processing fee only applies to credit and debit card payments made through the online system. If you file by mail with a check or money order, you pay only the base filing fee with no additional charge.