USCIS Stopped Accepting ACH Payments—What Changed and What to Do
USCIS no longer takes ACH payments directly from your bank account
As of a specific date that varies by form type, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stopped accepting Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments for immigration fees and petitions. This means you can no longer authorize a one-time bank transfer from your checking or savings account to pay USCIS directly. If you have an existing ACH arrangement with USCIS, it will not process going forward.
The change affects anyone filing forms that require a fee—including I-485 (adjustment of status), I-765 (work authorization), I-131 (advance parole), N-400 (naturalization), and many others. USCIS made this shift to reduce fraud and payment errors, but it means you need a different payment method now.
Key Takeaways
- USCIS stopped accepting ACH payments on a rolling schedule depending on the form you are filing; check the specific form's instructions page to confirm the exact date.
- You can now pay USCIS fees by credit card, debit card, money order, or cashier's check—but not by ACH transfer.
- If you already submitted an ACH authorization and the payment has not cleared, contact USCIS immediately to cancel it and use a different method instead.
- Credit and debit card payments are processed instantly online, while checks and money orders take longer and must be mailed to a lockbox address specific to your form.
- The payment method you choose does not affect your case outcome, but using the wrong address or format can delay processing.
Why USCIS ended ACH payments
USCIS cited two main reasons for the change: reducing fraud and lowering the number of rejected or reversed payments. ACH transfers can be disputed or reversed by banks after they clear, which created administrative headaches and delayed case processing. Fraudsters also exploited ACH to submit false payments or impersonate applicants.
By moving to card payments (which are harder to reverse) and traditional checks (which require physical signatures), USCIS reduced both the fraud risk and the volume of payment disputes. The agency did not announce a single cutoff date; instead, different forms transitioned on different dates throughout 2023 and 2024. This staggered approach meant some applicants could still use ACH for certain forms while others could not.
Payment methods that work now
USCIS currently accepts four payment types for immigration fees. Credit cards and debit cards are the fastest: you enter your card details on the USCIS online payment portal, and the charge posts immediately. The portal generates a receipt with a confirmation number you must include with your application.
Money orders and cashier's checks are the other option. You make the check payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and mail it to a specific lockbox address—which varies by form type and is listed in the form's instructions. Processing takes longer because the check must arrive, be opened, and be deposited, but there is no fee for using this method (unlike credit cards, which may carry a processing fee depending on your card issuer).
Do not send cash, personal checks, or wire transfers. USCIS will not accept them, and your application may be rejected or delayed. If you mail a check to the wrong address, it can take weeks to track down and reroute.
How to pay online with a card
When you file your USCIS form online through the USCIS online account system, you will reach a payment screen before you can submit. The system will ask whether you are paying now or paying later. If you choose to pay now, you enter your credit or debit card information directly into the USCIS portal—not through a third-party payment processor.
After you submit your card details, the system generates a receipt with a confirmation number. Write down this number and keep the receipt. You do not print and mail anything; the payment is complete online. Your application then moves into the queue for review. Some applicants choose to pay later by check or money order instead, which is also allowed—you simply skip the payment step during filing and mail your check separately to the lockbox address within a set timeframe (usually 30 days).
If the online payment fails (for example, your card is declined), the system will tell you immediately. You can try again with the same card or a different one, or you can choose to pay by check instead.
Mailing a check or money order
If you choose to pay by check or money order, you must mail it to the correct lockbox address for your form type. This address is printed in the form's instructions—for example, the I-485 instructions list a different address than the N-400 instructions. Sending your check to the general USCIS address or a field office will delay your case.
Make the check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and write your name and the form number on the memo line. Include your receipt number (if you filed online) or your name and date of birth (if you are mailing the entire application). Mail it via regular mail or a tracked service like USPS Certified Mail or FedEx. Keep proof of mailing in case you need to prove you sent it on time.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks after the check arrives at the lockbox. During that time, your case may show as incomplete in your online account. Once the check clears, the status will update.
What to do if you already authorized an ACH payment
If you submitted an ACH authorization to USCIS before the cutoff date for your form, and the payment has not yet cleared, contact USCIS immediately. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) and explain that you need to cancel the ACH authorization. Have your case number or receipt number ready.
USCIS can cancel a pending ACH transfer, but only if it has not already been processed by your bank. Once the money leaves your account, it is much harder to reverse. After you cancel the ACH, submit your payment using one of the accepted methods—card, check, or money order—as soon as possible to avoid delays.
If the ACH payment already cleared and you were not supposed to pay twice, contact USCIS again and request a refund. Refunds can take several months to process, and you may need to provide bank statements showing the duplicate charge.
Fees and processing times by payment method
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Card Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit or debit card (online) | Instant | May vary by card issuer; some charge 2–3% | Fast filing; you need confirmation immediately |
| Money order or cashier's check (mailed) | 2–4 weeks after arrival | None (small fee to obtain check) | No card available; prefer to avoid online payment |
The fee difference matters if you are paying a large amount. For example, a $1,140 I-485 fee charged to a credit card with a 2.5% processing fee costs an extra $28.50. A money order for the same amount costs $1–2 to obtain. If cost is your main concern, a check or money order saves money—but it also delays your filing by weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still set up automatic monthly payments to USCIS?
No. USCIS ended all recurring ACH arrangements. Each payment must be made individually—either online by card at the time you file, or by mailing a check or money order. There is no way to schedule automatic payments anymore.
What if my card is declined when I try to pay online?
The USCIS payment portal will tell you immediately that the charge failed. You can try again with the same card (after checking with your bank that there are no holds or fraud blocks) or use a different card. If you do not want to use a card, you can skip the online payment and mail a check or money order instead within 30 days of filing.
Do I have to pay online, or can I always mail a check?
You can choose either method. When you file online, the system asks if you want to pay now or later. If you select "pay later," you mail your check to the lockbox address within the deadline. If you file by mail, you include your check with your application. Online payment is faster, but mailing a check is always an option.
What happens if I mail my check to the wrong address?
Your check may be returned to you, or it may be forwarded to the correct lockbox—but this takes extra time. Your case could be delayed or marked as incomplete while USCIS waits for payment. Always use the lockbox address printed in your form's instructions, and consider mailing it via a tracked service so you have proof of where it went.
Can I get a refund if I overpaid or paid by mistake?
Yes, but the process is slow. Contact USCIS with proof of the overpayment (a bank statement or credit card receipt showing the duplicate charge). Refunds typically take several months to process and are mailed by check to your address on file. Keep all payment receipts and documentation until the refund arrives.