The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced a major change to how immigration application filing fees will be paid. Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept personal checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders for filing fees. Instead, applicants who submit paper applications will need to provide payment through a credit card or an ACH transfer (directly from a bank account).
USCIS has said that this change will make things simpler and faster. However, from our perspective as an immigration law firm that files many applications on behalf of clients, there are some real concerns.
Why This Change Matters
For years, using checks or money orders has given us a reliable way to confirm that a case was received and is being processed. When a check was cashed, it provided clear evidence that USCIS had received the application. With the new system, tracking payments won’t be as straightforward.
There are also new risks. For example, if credit card or bank account information is entered incorrectly—or if USCIS processes the payment incorrectly—fees could be charged to the wrong account or declined altogether. This could delay a case, which is the last thing anyone wants when immigration timelines are already so stressful.
What Hope Immigration Is Doing
We are carefully reviewing these changes and working to create a process that is both effective and ethical. Protecting our clients’ financial and personal information is a top priority, and we want to make sure that these new requirements do not create unnecessary risks or delays.
While this transition may bring some complications, please know that our team is committed—as always—to doing what is best for our clients and their cases. We will adapt, just as we always have, to ensure that your applications are filed properly and on time.
What You Can Do
If you are planning to file an immigration application soon, be prepared for this new payment system. We will walk you through the process step by step and let you know exactly what information we need to make sure your application is submitted correctly.
As soon as USCIS provides more clarity, we will update you with the latest details. In the meantime, you can trust that the Hope Immigration team is already preparing for this change so that you don’t have to worry.