Everything your firm needs to know
Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will stop accepting routine paper checks and money orders for filing fees. All payments must instead be made electronically, either by ACH debit or by credit/debit card authorization.
Electronic payments are now the default.
New authorization forms to know: Applicants can use Form G-1450 to authorize a credit or debit card charge or Form G-1650 to authorize an ACH debit from a U.S. bank account when filing by mail.
Paper payments only in rare cases: Exemption is approved with Form G-1651, or emergency advance parole (Form I-131) is filed in person at a USCIS field office.
Firms that embrace electronic payments can set themselves apart as leaders in efficient, compliant immigration practice. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Update client intake and payment policies: Make electronic payment the default.
Educate clients: Explain the shift and when (rarely) paper still applies.
Train staff: Ensure your team understands exceptions and emergency carve-outs.
Secure payments: Invest in cybersecurity and secure payment systems like 8am™ Smart Spend to protect client data.
Leverage waivers and reduced fees: Always check eligibility so clients don’t overpay.
Stay current: Track USCIS updates as more forms move to online filing.
For more insight and best practices, read the full 8am DocketWise article: USCIS moves toward modernized fee payments