USCIS is changing the payment process for immigration applications in the United States

The Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a new fee payment procedure for filing in-person applications.

The change seeks to simplify the process for most applicants, their legal representatives and attorneys, allowing payments to be made remotely or by mail instead of visiting local offices in person.

Under the new guidelines, applicants can send a check or mail Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, Application for Benefits, to the appropriate local office.

It is important that applicants and their legal representatives carefully review the submission instructions to ensure that the application form can be submitted by post or remotely and that it is sent to the appropriate location.

In case of incorrect submissions, USCIS will return the application to the sender so it can be sent to the appropriate office. This new process aims to streamline the process by removing the need to schedule an in-person appointment and save time and money for applicants who have to pay this fee.

New online tools

Additionally, attorneys and legal representatives now have the option to process fees for submitting Form EOIR-29, Notice of Appeal, to the Board of Immigration Appeals regarding a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decision through a link provided by USCIS. In emails or text messages from the contact center.

Upon payment, attorneys and legal representatives should forward their client's EOIR-29, along with forms EOIR-2 and EOIR-27, along with a Pay.gov receipt, to the appropriate local office.

Note that Emergency Advance Parole (EAP) applications filed using Form I-131 require a prior appointment with the USCIS Contact Center. In these cases, applicants must submit their complete application package, including the form and supporting documents, in person, and pay the applicable fee on Form G-1450 or by check to the local office.

This change in the payment process is intended to streamline USCIS' services and facilitate efficient and convenient access to immigration benefits for all applicants and their representatives.