What changed with USCIS payments

USCIS stopped accepting checks and money orders for most immigration forms and fees as of a specific date that varies by form type. The agency now requires payments through credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer using their online filing system or payment portal. This shift means you cannot mail a check with your process — you must pay electronically before or during the filing process.

The change affects forms like the I-485 (adjustment of status), I-765 (work permit), I-131 (advance parole), and many others. Some forms still allow payment by check if you file by mail, but USCIS encourages online payment for faster processing. The exact rules depend on which form you are filing and whether you are using the online system or paper mail.

Fees themselves have not universally changed, but USCIS has adjusted specific form fees over time. The I-485 filing fee, for example, differs from the I-765 fee. Some forms have no fee at all. You can find the current fee for your specific form on the USCIS website under the form's instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS now requires electronic payment (credit card, debit card, or bank transfer) for most forms filed online, and checks are no longer accepted for these submissions.
  • The payment method you use depends on whether you file online through the USCIS portal or submit a paper process by mail — paper filers may still have check options for certain forms.
  • Each form has its own fee amount, and you should check the official form instructions on USCIS.gov to confirm the current cost before you pay.
  • When you pay online, USCIS provides a receipt when ready, which you should keep as proof of payment for your records.
  • If you cannot afford the full fee, you may request a fee reduction or waiver by filing Form I-912, though approval is not may provide.

How to pay when filing online

If you are using the USCIS online filing system (USCIS.gov), the payment step comes after you complete your form. The system will show you the total fee owed and direct you to enter your payment information. You can use a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card, or you can authorize an electronic bank transfer from a checking or savings account.

Enter your card details or bank account information exactly as it appears in your records. USCIS processes the payment when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write down this confirmation number or take a screenshot — you will need it if USCIS ever questions whether you paid. The system will also email you a receipt, so check your inbox (and spam folder) for that confirmation.

Do not close the browser or navigate away until you see the final confirmation screen. If your payment fails, the system will tell you why — usually an incorrect card number, expired card, or insufficient funds. You can try again with the same card or a different payment method.

Paying by mail if you file a paper process

Some forms still allow payment by check or money order if you submit a paper process by mail. Check the form's official instructions on USCIS.gov to see whether your form accepts mail-in payment. If it does, make the check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and include it in the same envelope as your process.

Write your name and the form number on the back of the check or money order. Do not send cash. Mail your process and payment to the address listed in the form instructions — this address varies by form and by your location. Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Processing times are longer for paper applications than for online filings, sometimes by several weeks. If you have the option to file online, doing so will get your process to USCIS faster and give you when ready payment confirmation.

Understanding USCIS fee amounts

USCIS fees vary widely depending on the form. The I-485 (adjustment of status) currently has one fee amount, while the I-765 (work permit) has a different amount. Some forms, like the I-131 (advance parole), have their own separate fees. Forms filed by children under 14 or by people over 79 sometimes have reduced or waived fees.

The official USCIS website lists the current fee for each form in the form's instructions PDF. Do not rely on outdated information from other websites or from friends who filed years ago — fees change, and using the wrong amount will delay your process. Before you pay, open the form instructions on USCIS.gov and look for the "Fee" section.

Some applicants are exempt from fees entirely. Refugees and asylees, for example, do not pay certain fees. Check your form's instructions to see whether an exemption applies to you.

Requesting a fee reduction or waiver

If you cannot afford the full fee, you can request a reduction or waiver by filing Form I-912 (Request for Fee Reduction or Waiver) along with your main process. USCIS will review your income and household size to decide whether to reduce or waive your fee. This is not a may provide — the agency has specific income thresholds, and approval depends on your circumstances.

Include Form I-912 in the same package as your main process if you are filing by mail, or upload it through the online system if you are filing online. Do not pay the full fee upfront if you are requesting a waiver — wait to see whether USCIS approves your request. If you pay first and then request a waiver, the agency may not refund the money.

Processing your fee waiver request takes time, and USCIS may ask for additional financial documents. If your request is denied, you will be notified and given a important date to pay the full fee. Keep all documents related to your income (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements) in case USCIS asks for them.

What to do if your payment fails

If you are paying online and your card is declined, the system will show an error message. Common reasons include an incorrect card number, an expired card, insufficient funds, or a card that your bank has flagged as potentially fraudulent. Try again with the same card, or use a different payment method.

If you are paying by bank transfer and the transfer fails, contact your bank to find out why. Your bank may have blocked the transfer, or there may not be enough money in your account. Once you fix the problem, you can return to the USCIS system and try the payment again.

If you mailed a check and it was lost or never cashed, contact USCIS to confirm whether they received it. You may need to send a new check or switch to online payment. Do not send duplicate payments without confirming with USCIS first.

Keeping records of your payment

Save every receipt and confirmation number you receive from USCIS. If you paid online, take a screenshot of the confirmation page and save the email receipt. If you mailed a check, keep a copy of the check and the envelope it was sent in. If you used certified mail, keep the tracking number.

These records protect you if USCIS later claims they never received your payment. You can show proof that you paid, and the agency can investigate what happened to the money. Without proof, you may have to pay again.

Store these documents in a safe place — a folder on your computer, a physical file, or both. You may need them months or years later if there is a dispute about your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still pay USCIS by check?

It depends on the form and how you file. Forms filed online through USCIS.gov must be paid by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Some forms filed by mail may still accept checks — check your form's official instructions to be sure. When in doubt, file online to avoid confusion.

What if I don't have a credit card or bank account?

If you are filing by mail, you can use a money order instead of a check. Money orders can be purchased at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and post offices. If you are filing online and do not have a card or bank account, ask a family member or friend to make the payment on your behalf using their card or account.

How long does it take USCIS to process my payment?

Online payments are processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number right away. Mailed checks may take one to two weeks to clear, depending on your bank and USCIS processing. Your process will not move forward until USCIS confirms receipt of payment, so online filing is faster.

Will USCIS refund my fee if my process is denied?

No. USCIS does not refund fees even if your process is denied. The fee covers the cost of reviewing your process, regardless of the outcome. This is why it is important to make sure your process is complete and accurate before you pay.

What happens if I pay the wrong amount?

If you pay less than the required fee, USCIS will reject your process and ask you to pay the difference. If you pay more, USCIS will not refund the extra amount — it will be applied to your account or kept as payment. Always check the current fee in the form instructions before you pay to avoid this problem.