The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will soon implement a notable change in how it will accept filing fees. Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept paper checks or money orders for immigration-related payments. Instead, all payments must be made electronically through either ACH debit (via Form G‑1650) or credit card (via Form G‑1450). This move is part of a broader federal government initiative to modernize and streamline financial transactions across agencies.
The transition aligns with Executive Order 14247, which mandates federal agencies to adopt electronic payment methods where feasible. According to USCIS, this change is expected to improve efficiency, reduce administrative costs, and minimize processing delays. Paper-based payments are more time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors, theft, or loss. By moving to digital payments, USCIS aims to make the application process faster, more secure, and easier to manage both for applicants and for the agency.
For EB-5 immigrant investors, the policy shift has several key implications. Many EB-5 applicants are based outside the United States and may not have ready access to U.S. bank accounts, which can complicate the use of ACH debit payments. In these cases, investors will need to use credit or prepaid cards through the designated USCIS form. It is also critical for filers to ensure their bank accounts or cards have sufficient funds, as a failed payment can result in a rejected application. USCIS has emphasized that insufficient payment or incorrect banking information may lead to a denial or delay in processing.
As the deadline approaches, EB-5 investors and their immigration counsel should prepare by reviewing their payment options and ensuring compliance with the new guidelines. Filings that include paper checks or money orders after October 28, 2025, are at risk of being rejected outright. This is especially important for petitions such as Form I-526E or I-485, where timely submission and acceptance by USCIS are important for preserving priority dates and progressing in the immigration process.
While the transition to electronic payments may initially pose challenges for international investors, particularly those without U.S. financial infrastructure, the long-term benefits of speed, transparency, and security are substantial. USCIS has updated its policy manuals to reflect the changes and is encouraging applicants to review the updated procedures to avoid errors.
As this policy takes effect, EB-5 investors should work closely with immigration attorneys and financial advisors to ensure that their payments are submitted correctly. Careful attention to payment methods and timelines will be essential to avoid costly setbacks in an already complex and time-sensitive immigration process.
The above article is intended for informational purposes. Anyone with a specific question with regards to filing a petition or making payments to USCIS should consult with an experienced immigration attorney.
