Under the new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy, most applicants, petitioners, requestors, and their attorneys or qualifying representatives will be required to submit payments along with the related benefit request. Checks, or if using a credit card for payment, the required for, G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, are to be submitted with the corresponding benefit request. The new USCIS payment process policy is effective February 1, 2024.

Those submitting payments should read carefully the filing instructions for the particular benefit request to ensure the it is eligible to be mailed. Special attention to the filing location is critical. Any filings submitted incorrectly will be returned to the applicant, who will then need to resubmit their filing. Removing the need for an office appointment should save time and money.

Payments for EOIR-29, Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of a DHS officer, are eligible to be paid online, through a link provided in the information sent from the USCIS Contact Center. Attorneys and other qualifying representatives can submit the online payment using the link in the email or text included in the UCSIS communication. After payment is processed, the receipt from Pay.gov and the client’s EOIR-29; their EOIR-2; and their EOIR-27, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative Before the Board of Immigration Appeals must be mailed to the field office.

For emergency advance parole (EAP) requests, there is an exception. Individuals submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with an EAP request are required to schedule an appointment with the USCIS Contact Center, as they do now. These individuals must apply in person at the field office with their completed documents, paying the related application fee, if any, by check or credit card with Form G-1450.

If you have questions about the USCIS payment process for your U.S. immigration benefit, or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG. Our team of experienced attorneys work directly with clients to ensure they get the right advice.