USCIS Switches to Card-Only Payments for Paper-Filed Immigration Forms
Key Takeaways
- It has been reported that USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) now requires card-only payments for paper-filed immigration forms; checks and money orders are allegedly no longer accepted.
- The change affects anyone who mails forms — including family petitions, adjustment of status, and naturalization packets often submitted on paper — and may disrupt filers who rely on checks, money orders, or cash.
- Advocates warn low-income and unbanked applicants could face burdens; fee waivers and alternatives such as prepaid debit cards, credit cards, or e-filings may be necessary.
- Applicants should review payment instructions on each form, contact legal counsel or community organizations if they lack card access, and confirm payment methods before mailing to avoid rejected or delayed filings.
What changed
It has been reported that USCIS has moved to accept only payment cards for paper submissions of immigration forms, a shift away from the longstanding practice of accepting checks and money orders. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) handles applications across family-based petitions, naturalization (N-400), adjustment of status (I-485), and many other forms — many of which are still routinely mailed in paper form. The reports indicate that card authorization or online card payment will now be required for mailed filings.
Who is affected
The policy change hits a wide range of filers. Pro se applicants, older applicants accustomed to money orders, immigrant households without bank accounts, and community legal clinics that assemble paper packets could be disproportionately affected. While some people can switch to credit or debit cards, others rely on checks or money orders specifically because they lack access to bank cards. Fee-waiver applicants and those eligible for reduced fees may still have options, but anyone filing a paper form must verify how to submit proof of a card payment or an accepted alternative.
What this means for applicants now
If you are preparing to mail a form, double-check the payment instructions on the specific USCIS form page before sending. Consider these practical steps: use e-filing where available, obtain a prepaid debit card if you do not have one, or seek assistance from accredited representatives and community organizations. It has been reported that USCIS aims to modernize processes, but the immediate effect will be logistical hurdles for some filers and potential delays for packets returned or rejected for improper payment. If unsure, contact a lawyer or an accredited immigration service provider — and do not assume a mailed check will be accepted.
Source: Original Article