For those applying for U.S. citizenship or immigration benefits, there will be new rules for making payments. USCIS announced, starting February 1, 2024, they will require most applicants, petitioners, and their lawyers, to include payments when submitting benefit requests. Payments can be made by check or by using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, if paying with a credit card.

Carefully follow the instructions for the specific application. Sending payments to the wrong filing location will result in the application being sent back. The application and payment will then need to be resent to the correct location, delaying processing.

If it’s an appeal to a decision related to immigration, individuals can pay online through a link provided in the information from the USCIS Contact Center. Attorneys can use the link in the email or text from USCIS to make the online payment. After payment is made, the Pay.gov receipt and the client’s EOIR-29, EOIR-2, and EOIR-27 must be mailed to the field office.

There is an exception. If an individual is making an emergency advance parole request (EAP) using Form I-131, they still need to schedule an appointment with the USCIS Contact Center and apply in person at the field office with all documents, as is the current process. The related application fee, if any, will also need to be paid in-person, by check or if by credit card using Form G-1450.

If you have questions about the payment process or any other immigration issue, contact us. We work with our clients every step of the way.