USCIS accepts credit cards for immigration fees through a specific form and payment process
When you file an immigration petition or process with USCIS, you can pay the filing fee using a credit card instead of a check or money order. You do this by completing Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Charges, and submitting it with your process package. The form tells USCIS which card to charge and authorizes the transaction. You do not pay online through a portal — the form itself is your payment method.
The process is straightforward if you follow the correct steps, but there are specific rules about which forms allow credit card payment, how to fill out the authorization form, and what happens if you make a mistake. Understanding these details before you file prevents delays and rejected applications.
Key Takeaways
- Form G-1450 is the only way to pay a USCIS fee by credit card, and it must be included in your paper process package.
- Not all USCIS forms accept credit card payment — check the specific form's instructions to confirm payment methods are allowed.
- You must provide your card number, expiration date, and signature on the form; USCIS will charge the card when they receive and process your process.
- Credit card payments take the same processing time as checks, so paying by card does not speed up your case.
- If your card is declined, USCIS will send you a notice and you will have a set time to resubmit payment or your process may be rejected.
What Form G-1450 is and when you need it
Form G-1450 is a one-page authorization form that tells USCIS to charge your credit card for an immigration fee. You include it in the same envelope or package as your main process or petition. USCIS uses the information on the form to process the charge after they receive your complete package.
You need this form only if you are paying by credit card. If you are paying by check, money order, or cashier's check, you do not use Form G-1450 — you straightforward include the payment with your process. The form is free and available on the USCIS website under "Forms".
Not every USCIS process accepts credit card payment. Before you complete Form G-1450, read the instructions for your specific form — for example, Form I-485 (process to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) or Form I-765 (process for Employment Authorization). The instructions will state whether credit card is an accepted payment method. If your form does not list credit card as an option, you cannot use Form G-1450.
How to fill out Form G-1450 correctly
Form G-1450 has five main sections. At the top, you enter your name and USCIS receipt number if you have one (you will not have one if this is a new process). Below that, you select the type of card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.
Next, you enter the card number, expiration date, and the three- or four-digit security code on the back of the card. You then write the amount to be charged — this must match the fee listed in your process's instructions. Finally, you sign and date the form. The person whose name is on the card must sign; if someone else is paying on your behalf, their name and signature still go on the form because they are authorizing the charge.
Common mistakes include writing the wrong fee amount, leaving the security code blank, or forgetting to sign. Double-check the fee amount against your form's instructions before you sign, because USCIS will charge whatever amount you write. If you make an error, it is better to start over with a new form than to cross out and correct — USCIS may reject a form that appears altered.
Where to send Form G-1450 with your process
Form G-1450 goes in the same package as your main process or petition. Do not mail it separately. The form should be placed near the front of your package, often right after your cover letter or on top of your main form.
Check your process's instructions for the correct mailing address — different USCIS forms go to different service centers depending on where you live and what you are filing. The instructions will also tell you whether to mail the package or use a specific USCIS lockbox address. If you are mailing to a lockbox, follow the address exactly as written because lockboxes have strict rules about what they accept.
Keep a copy of Form G-1450 for your records before you mail it. If there are any questions about your payment later, you will have proof of what you submitted.
What happens after you submit Form G-1450
After USCIS receives your complete process package, they will process it and charge your credit card. This does not happen when ready — it can take several weeks or longer depending on the service center's workload. You will not receive a separate notification that the charge went through; the charge will straightforward appear on your credit card statement.
If your card is declined for any reason — insufficient funds, the card is expired, the card issuer flagged it as fraud, or the information you wrote was incorrect — USCIS will send you a notice. The notice will explain why the charge failed and give you a important date to resubmit payment. You can resubmit by mailing a new Form G-1450, sending a check, or using another payment method listed in the notice. If you do not resubmit payment by the important date, USCIS may reject your process.
Paying by credit card does not speed up your case. The processing time is the same whether you pay by card, check, or money order. The card is straightforward a payment method, not a priority option.
Advantages and disadvantages of paying by credit card
The main advantage of credit card payment is convenience — you do not have to go to a bank or post office to buy a money order or cashier's check. If you are filing by mail from abroad, a credit card may be easier than arranging a check in U.S. dollars. You also have a record of the charge on your statement, which can serve as proof of payment.
The disadvantages are that you must have a credit card in the first place, and if the card is declined, your process may be delayed while you resubmit payment. Some people also prefer not to provide card information by mail. If you are uncomfortable mailing your card number, you can use a check or money order instead — both are accepted for most USCIS applications.
If you are paying a large fee and want to avoid interest charges, remember that USCIS will charge the card when they process your process, which could be weeks after you mail it. Plan your finances accordingly.
What to do if your card is declined or payment fails
If USCIS cannot charge your card, they will mail you a notice explaining the reason and the important date to resubmit payment. Read the notice carefully because it will tell you exactly what went wrong — for example, "card expired" or "insufficient funds".
You have several options to fix the problem. You can mail a new Form G-1450 with a different card or the same card if the issue has been resolved. You can also mail a check or money order instead. Some notices allow you to pay online through a USCIS payment portal, though this varies by process type — check the notice to see what methods are available.
Submit your new payment before the important date. If you miss the important date, USCIS may reject your entire process, and you will have to start over and pay the filing fee again. If you are unsure about the important date or what to do, contact USCIS through their website or call their customer service line — the notice will include contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my USCIS fee online with a credit card?
Most USCIS applications require you to mail Form G-1450 with your paper process — there is no online payment portal for most forms. However, some specific services like USCIS filing fees for certain employment-based petitions may have online payment options. Check your form's instructions to see if online payment is available for your process type.
What if I do not have a credit card?
You can pay by check, money order, or cashier's check instead. Make the payment out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and include it with your process. Do not use Form G-1450 if you are paying by check or money order.
Will USCIS charge my card multiple times if I submit multiple applications?
No. Each Form G-1450 is tied to one specific process package. USCIS will charge your card only once per process, for the amount you write on that form. If you file multiple applications, each one needs its own Form G-1450 and will result in a separate charge.
Can someone else's credit card be used to pay my USCIS fee?
Yes. The person whose name is on the card signs Form G-1450, authorizing the charge. You do not have to be the cardholder, but the cardholder must sign the form and authorize the payment.
How long does it take for the credit card charge to appear on my statement?
The charge typically appears within two to four weeks after USCIS receives your process, though it can take longer depending on the service center. Do not assume your payment failed if you do not see the charge when ready — wait at least a month before contacting USCIS about a missing charge.