USCIS ended ACH payments in 2024 and now requires credit card, debit card, or check

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stopped accepting Automated Clearing House (ACH) bank transfers for immigration fees and filing payments. If you were paying USCIS bills by routing your bank account directly, that method no longer works. You must now pay by credit card, debit card, or check instead.

This change affects anyone filing an immigration petition, renewal, or other USCIS form that requires a fee. The shift happened to modernize USCIS payment systems and reduce processing delays. If you have a pending case and were planning to pay by ACH, you need to switch to one of the accepted methods immediately to avoid your case being rejected or delayed.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS no longer accepts ACH payments; you must use a credit card, debit card, or check to pay USCIS fees.
  • Credit and debit card payments are processed instantly online through the USCIS payment portal, while checks must be mailed and take longer to clear.
  • If you already submitted a form with an ACH payment instruction, contact USCIS immediately to update your payment method before your case is rejected.
  • The payment portal at pay.uscis.gov accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards with no additional fees added by USCIS.

When the ACH payment change took effect

USCIS began phasing out ACH payments in late 2023 and completed the transition during 2024. The exact date varied slightly depending on the form type and filing category, but by mid-2024 all ACH payments were no longer accepted for new filings.

If you filed a form before the change and included ACH payment instructions, USCIS may still be processing it under the old rules. However, any new filing or payment you submit now must use an accepted method. Check the specific form instructions on the USCIS website to confirm the current payment methods for your case type.

How to pay by credit or debit card instead

Credit and debit card payments go through the USCIS online payment portal at pay.uscis.gov. You enter your card details, the amount owed, and your case information. The payment processes immediately, and you receive a confirmation number right away. USCIS does not charge an extra fee for card payments — you pay only the official filing fee.

To pay online, you will need your receipt number (if you already have one from USCIS) or your case number. The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Keep your confirmation number and receipt for your records; you may need them if USCIS asks about payment status later.

Card payments are the fastest way to pay because they clear instantly. Your payment is recorded in the USCIS system the same day, so your case can move forward without delay. If you are on a tight timeline or worried about processing speed, paying by card is the best option.

Paying by check if you cannot use a card

You can still pay USCIS by mailing a check, though it takes much longer than a card payment. Make the check payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and include your case number or receipt number on the check itself. Mail it to the address listed on your form's instructions — the address depends on which USCIS office handles your case.

Check payments typically take two to four weeks to arrive, be processed, and appear in the USCIS system. During that time, your case sits in a holding status. If your deadline is approaching, a check payment is risky because delays in the mail can cause your case to be rejected. Use a check only if you have no other option or if your deadline is far enough away to absorb mail delays.

Include a cover letter with your check that states your name, case number, form type, and the amount enclosed. This helps USCIS match the payment to your case quickly. Send it via certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it was delivered.

What to do if you already submitted an ACH payment

If you filed a form with ACH payment instructions before the change took effect, contact USCIS as soon as possible. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 or visit your local USCIS office in person. Explain that you submitted an ACH payment and ask whether it was processed or if you need to resubmit using a different method.

Do not assume your payment went through. USCIS may have rejected it automatically, or it may still be pending in their system. Getting clarity now prevents your case from being denied for non-payment weeks or months later. If you need to resubmit, do so immediately using a credit card, debit card, or check.

If USCIS rejected your form because of the ACH payment issue, you may need to file again and pay using an accepted method. Ask USCIS whether you can reuse your receipt number or if you need a new one. Keep records of all communication with USCIS about this issue in case you need to prove you attempted to pay.

Why USCIS made this change

USCIS moved away from ACH payments to modernize its payment infrastructure and reduce errors. ACH transfers are slower and require manual reconciliation, which can cause delays and mismatches between payments and cases. Credit and debit card payments are processed by automated systems that connect directly to USCIS databases, so payments are recorded instantly and accurately.

The change also reduces the risk of payment fraud and makes it easier for USCIS to track which payments belong to which cases. From a user perspective, card payments are faster and more reliable, though they do require you to have access to a credit or debit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USCIS charge a fee for paying by credit card?

No. USCIS does not charge any additional fee for credit or debit card payments. You pay only the official filing fee set by USCIS. Your card issuer may charge you interest if you carry a balance, but that is between you and your bank, not USCIS.

Can I pay by wire transfer or money order instead?

USCIS does not currently accept wire transfers or money orders. Your only options are credit card, debit card, or check. If none of these work for your situation, contact USCIS directly to ask about alternatives, though they are unlikely to have any.

What if my payment was rejected because it was ACH?

Contact USCIS immediately by phone at 1-800-375-5283 or in person at your local office. Explain that your ACH payment was rejected and ask whether you can resubmit using a card or check. USCIS may allow you to use the same receipt number, or they may require you to file a new form. Do not wait — delays can result in your case being denied.

Is the online payment portal secure?

Yes. The USCIS payment portal at pay.uscis.gov uses encryption and security protocols to protect your card information. It is the official USCIS payment system. Never enter your card details on any other website claiming to process USCIS payments, as that may be a scam.

How long does it take to see my payment in USCIS after I pay by card?

Card payments appear in the USCIS system within hours, usually the same day. You will receive a confirmation number immediately after payment. Check your case status online or call USCIS after 24 hours to confirm the payment was recorded.