USCIS is changing how it accepts filing fees, and this matters if you’re preparing an EB-2 NIW or EB-1A self-petition. Starting after October 28, checks and money orders go away. From that point on, you’ll pay only by ACH debit (via a new form) or by credit card (via the existing form). Below is a clear, no-fluff guide based entirely on the latest explanation from our video transcript, so you can file with confidence and avoid delays.
Quick context for EB-2 NIW and EB-1A applicants
EB-2 NIW and EB-1A let you self-petition. You don’t need a job offer or a lawyer, and doing it yourself can save thousands of dollars. While these categories are still paper-based, USCIS appears to be inching toward electronic processes—starting with payments.
What exactly is changing on October 28
Until October 28, you can use four methods of payment:
- Personal checks
- Money orders
- Credit cards (Form G-1450)
- ACH transfers (new option)
After October 28, you will only be able to pay by:
- ACH debit using Form G-1650 (new)
- Credit card using Form G-1450 (existing)
Checks and money orders will no longer be accepted after that date.
Why USCIS is doing this
USCIS says this shift is part of an effort to modernize fee payments and increase efficiency. The agency noted that most payments still arrive as checks and money orders, which can lead to delays and raise the risk of fraud or lost payments. The move aligns with a recent executive directive focused on modernizing payments, and it’s another step toward eventual electronic submissions.
Option 1: Pay by credit card (Form G-1450)
Form G-1450 is already in use. Here’s what matters for a clean, successful charge:
- Complete the one-page form with your card details and billing address.
- Sign the form in black ink after printing it. The signature field can be easy to miss—don’t skip it.
- Write the exact fee amount.
- Call your bank or card issuer before you file and let them know to expect a USCIS charge for a specific amount. This reduces the chance of a decline due to fraud checks, international routing issues, or transaction limits.
- Be realistic about card limits. Large filings (or multiple family members) can push you over a daily cap. A declined payment can trigger a rejection and set you back.
Option 2: Pay by ACH debit (Form G-1650)
This is the new method. It authorizes USCIS to debit your U.S. bank account directly.
- U.S. bank accounts only. You’ll need a U.S. routing number and account number. Non-U.S. accounts (e.g., European or South American banks) won’t work.
- Checking or savings. Indicate which one you’re using on the form.
- Where to find your numbers. The easiest place is the bottom of a personal check—one series is the routing number and the other is the account number.
- If you’re abroad without a U.S. account. You can use a family member’s or friend’s U.S. account (with their permission and signature) to complete the ACH authorization.
- Print, fill, and sign. Like the credit card form, you’ll still print this out and sign in black ink.
Don’t mix payment types
Choose one payment method per filing and stick with it. Mixing forms (e.g., including both G-1450 and G-1650) is not recommended and can cause avoidable problems.
“Electronic” but still on paper—for now
Even with this modernization step, you still print and sign a payment authorization form (G-1450 or G-1650) and include it with your paper package. It’s a halfway point: electronic funds movement authorized by a physical form. USCIS leadership has signaled interest in more fully electronic processes over the next year or two, but for the moment, plan on printing, signing, and mailing.
Practical tips to avoid rejected payments
- Notify your bank or card issuer in advance. Tell them the exact dollar amount and that the payee is USCIS.
- Double-check the fee totals before you write the amount on the form.
- Use black ink for signatures.
- Keep copies of everything you submit, including the payment form.
- If you’re using a U.S. bank account that isn’t yours (e.g., a trusted family member), make sure all authorization details are accurate and that the account has sufficient funds.
USCIS fees relevant to EB-2 NIW / EB-1A (as of late 2025)
Here are the fees you should budget for on the USCIS side:
- I-140 filing fee: $715
- Asylum Program Fee (reduced): $300 (paid in addition to the I-140)
- Premium Processing (optional), Form I-907: $2,805
- Adjustment of Status (I-485):
- Adults: $1,440
- Children under 14: $950
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD): $260
- Advance Parole (travel document): $630
Notes:
- These amounts cover USCIS fees only. If you’re doing consular processing from abroad, Department of State fees apply separately and aren’t included here.
- Always write the precise amount on your payment form to avoid a mismatch that could derail the filing.
Which method should you pick?
Both work. The right choice depends on your situation:
- If you have a U.S. bank account and want to avoid card declines, ACH via G-1650 is straightforward.
- If you don’t have a U.S. account (especially if you’re overseas), credit card via G-1450 may be simplest. Just alert your bank ahead of time and confirm your card limit can handle the total.
- If you need to coordinate with a family member in the U.S., ACH through their account is possible with accurate routing/account details and proper authorization.
If you are ready to start this process, check our online courses for either EB-2 NIW self petition or for EB-1A self petition.