USCIS Goes Digital: Visa Applicants Must Use Online Payments from October 29

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In a major step toward modernization, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will stop accepting paper checks and money orders for visa-related payments starting October 29, 2025.

The move is part of the federal government’s broader effort to transition to fully digital payment systems. USCIS stated that all applicants filing paper-based immigration or visa forms will now need to make payments electronically either by credit/debit card using Form G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions) or through ACH (Automated Clearing House) debit via Form G-1650 (Authorization for ACH Transactions).

Applicants who submit their forms online will continue to use the existing online payment portal with no changes.

According to USCIS, the decision aims to reduce processing delays, minimize fraud risks, and improve overall efficiency. The agency noted that nearly 90% of payments it receives are still in the form of paper checks or money orders, which often lead to longer wait times, lost payments, and higher administrative costs.

This change aligns with Executive Order 14247, a U.S. government initiative titled “Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account,” which pushes federal agencies to digitize financial transactions and phase out paper-based systems wherever possible.

A USCIS spokesperson described the update as a “logical and timely move” that brings immigration processes in line with current financial standards. By going digital, the agency expects faster transaction verification, fewer rejections, and greater transparency in its operations.

For visa applicants, especially those filing from abroad or through representatives, the new system means greater convenience, but stricter compliance incorrect or outdated payment methods will result in applications being returned.

Overall, this marks an important milestone in the U.S. government’s digital transformation journey, streamlining the immigration process and ensuring that technology plays a central role in how the country manages its administrative systems.