Overview
- The requirement took effect on October 28, 2025, following President Trump's Executive Order 14247 on modernizing federal payments.
- USCIS now accepts fees only through electronic channels for paper submissions, covering applications such as the N-400 for citizenship and the I-485 for permanent residence.
- Applicants must pay by credit or debit card using Form G-1450 or by ACH bank transfer using Form G-1650, with checks and traditional money orders no longer accepted.
- USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said more than 90% of prior payments were checks or money orders, causing processing delays and raising risks of fraud or lost payments.
- Immigration attorneys warn the shift could block applicants without electronic payment access, particularly older people or those without U.S. bank accounts, prompting advice to verify funding, use the correct forms, and keep electronic receipts.