USCIS ended ACH payments in 2024 and now requires credit card, debit card, or check
If you have paid USCIS immigration fees using automatic bank transfers (ACH), that option no longer works. Starting in 2024, USCIS stopped accepting ACH payments for all immigration forms and petitions. You now have three ways to pay: credit card, debit card, or check sent by mail. This change affects anyone filing forms like I-130 (family sponsorship), I-140 (employment sponsorship), I-485 (green card process), or any other USCIS petition that requires a fee.
The change happened because USCIS moved to a new payment processing system. The old system allowed you to authorize a one-time bank transfer from your checking or savings account. That convenience is gone. If you are in the middle of a case or planning to file soon, you need to know which payment method works for your situation and how long each one takes to reach USCIS.
Key Takeaways
- USCIS no longer accepts ACH (automatic bank transfer) payments as of 2024; you must use credit card, debit card, or check instead.
- Credit and debit card payments process when ready online through the USCIS website, while checks must be mailed and can take weeks to clear.
- If you already authorized an ACH payment before the change, contact USCIS to confirm whether it was processed or cancelled.
- Checks must be made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and sent to the address listed on the form's instructions page.
- Using a credit or debit card is faster and gives you an when ready receipt, but you will pay a processing fee on top of the USCIS fee.
How to pay by credit or debit card online
The fastest way to pay USCIS is with a credit or debit card through their online payment portal. When you file a form electronically (through USCIS online filing systems like I-90 or I-539), the payment option appears at the end of your submission. You enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV just as you would on any retail website. The payment processes when ready, and you receive a confirmation number and receipt right away.
If you are filing by mail and want to pay by card, you cannot do it through the regular USCIS website. Instead, you must call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to make a payment over the phone. Have your form number, filing fee amount, and card information ready. A representative will process the payment and give you a confirmation number to write on your check stub or cover letter when you mail your form. Phone payments also charge a processing fee on top of the USCIS fee — the exact amount depends on your card type and the fee amount.
Credit and debit card payments carry a convenience fee that USCIS does not charge for checks. This fee typically ranges from 2 to 3 percent of your total payment, though the exact percentage varies. For example, if your I-485 filing fee is $640, the processing fee might add $13 to $19 to your total cost. You will see the final amount before you confirm the payment.
How to pay by check or money order
Paying by check is free but slower. You write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your form's instructions page, make it payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security," and mail it to the address listed in those same instructions. The address changes depending on which form you are filing and where you live, so always check the current form instructions before mailing — do not assume the address from a previous filing is still correct.
Mail your check in an envelope with your form and any supporting documents. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and the form number you are filing. Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. USCIS processes checks slowly; it can take two to four weeks for your check to arrive at the service center, be opened, and be recorded in their system. During this time, your case may show as "payment not received" in your online account, even though the check is in transit.
Never send cash. If you mail a check and it gets lost, USCIS will not know you sent it unless you have proof. For this reason, use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof of delivery, though this is not required. Regular first-class mail is acceptable and is what most people use.
What happened to ACH payments I already authorized
If you set up an ACH payment before USCIS ended the program, one of two things happened: either the payment went through before the important date, or USCIS cancelled it. You need to find out which. Log into your USCIS online account and check the payment status of your case. If it shows "payment received" with a date, your ACH payment processed successfully and you do not need to do anything else.
If your case shows "payment not received" or "payment pending," your ACH authorization was cancelled and you must pay again using one of the current methods. Do not assume the payment will go through on its own. Contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to confirm the status. Have your receipt number or case number ready. If the payment was cancelled, you can pay by phone with a card or mail a check when ready.
If you are unsure whether your ACH payment cleared before the change took effect, calling USCIS is the fastest way to get a definitive answer. Processing times vary, but you should receive a response within one business day if you call during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time).
Timing matters when you mail your payment
The date USCIS receives your payment, not the date you mail it, is what counts for your case. If you mail a check and it arrives after the important date for your form, your case may be rejected or delayed. For forms with strict filing important date (like I-539 extensions or I-131 travel documents), mail your payment at least one week before the important date to give the check time to arrive and be processed.
If you are filing a form with no important date (like an I-130 family petition), the timing is less critical, but you still want to mail your payment promptly after you mail your form. The longer the gap between when USCIS receives your form and when they receive your payment, the more likely your case will be flagged as incomplete. This can cause delays or requests for additional information.
For forms you file online, pay by card at the time of filing. This eliminates the mail delay and ensures your payment and form arrive together in USCIS's system.
Comparing your payment options
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Additional Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit or debit card (online) | when ready | 2–3% of fee | Online filings; you need a receipt right away |
| Credit or debit card (phone) | when ready | 2–3% of fee | Mail filings; you want to pay before mailing your form |
| Check or money order | 2–4 weeks | None | You want to avoid the card processing fee |
Common mistakes to avoid
The biggest mistake is mailing a check without confirming the correct mailing address for your specific form and location. USCIS has multiple service centers, and each one has a different address. If you mail your check to the wrong address, it will be returned or lost, and your case will show as unpaid. Always pull the current form instructions from USCIS.gov before you mail anything.
Another common error is writing the check to the wrong payee. It must say "U.S. Department of Homeland Security," not "USCIS," "Immigration," or "Department of State." A check made out to the wrong name may be rejected or delayed.
Do not assume your online account will update when ready after you mail a check. USCIS systems can lag by several weeks. If your case shows "payment not received" two weeks after you mailed a check, do not panic — it is likely still in the mail or being processed. Wait at least four weeks before contacting USCIS about a missing payment.
If you pay by card over the phone, write down the confirmation number the representative gives you. Include it in your cover letter when you mail your form so USCIS can match the payment to your case if there is any delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use ACH if I have an old authorization on file?
No. USCIS cancelled all ACH authorizations when they ended the program in 2024. Even if you have an old ACH setup, it will not process. You must use credit card, debit card, or check for any new payment.
What if I paid by ACH before the change and my case still shows unpaid?
Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to confirm whether your ACH payment was processed before the important date. If it was, the system may just be slow to update. If it was not, you need to pay again when ready using a card or check to avoid your case being rejected.
Do I have to pay a fee if I use a credit card?
Yes. Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee of roughly 2 to 3 percent of your total fee. Checks have no additional fee. You will see the exact total before you confirm a card payment.
How long does it take for a mailed check to show up in my USCIS account?
Typically two to four weeks from the date you mail it. USCIS must receive it, open it, and enter it into their system. Your online account may show "payment not received" for several weeks even after you have mailed the check. This is normal.
Can I mail a money order instead of a check?
Yes. Money orders work the same way as checks — make it payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security," include it with your form, and mail it to the address on the form instructions. Some people prefer money orders because they provide a receipt, but they take just as long to process as checks.