On Aug. 29, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant change to the payment of filing fees and service charges. In line with Executive Order 14247, "Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Accounts," USCIS will phase out paper-based payments, such as checks and money orders, and transition entirely to electronic methods.

USCIS has introduced electronic debit, also known as ACH, which allows applicants and petitioners to authorize payment directly from a U.S. bank account by submitting Form G-1650 with their filing. This option is available, in addition to the existing credit and debit card payment method, which is processed using Form G-1450 and may also be used with prepaid cards. Until Oct. 27, 2025, USCIS will continue to accept checks and money orders; however, beginning on Oct. 28, 2025, the agency will only accept electronic payments through ACH debit (Form G-1650) or credit and debit cards (Form G-1450). Paper checks and money orders will no longer be accepted after the transition deadline.

For religious organizations and religious workers, this change is particularly important to note when preparing petitions such as the Form I-129 for R-1 Religious Worker or other related applications. If a religious organization intends to pay by check, it must ensure that USCIS receives the petition by Oct. 27, 2025. After that date, payment can only be made electronically with either Form G-1650 for ACH debit or Form G-1450 for credit or debit card authorization. Religious workers and religious organizations should also confirm that the account or card being used has sufficient funds to cover the filing fee, as a failed payment could result in rejection of the application.

RIS will not obtain any client bank account or credit card information as a result of this change. Your RIS attorney will provide the correct form for the client to complete themselves and include in the petition. Religious organizations and religious workers who have questions about these changes or need guidance in preparing their filings under the new payment system should contact their RIS attorney for assistance.