USCIS accepts credit cards for immigration fees through their official payment system

You can pay most USCIS filing fees with a credit card, debit card, or money order. The agency does not process credit card payments directly. Instead, you use a third-party payment processor called Pay.gov, which is a U.S. Department of the Treasury service. When you file a form that requires a fee — such as an I-485 (adjustment of status), I-539 (extension of stay), or I-765 (work permit) — you will receive payment instructions that direct you to Pay.gov.

The payment method you choose depends on how you file. If you file online through USCIS's myUSCIS account, you can pay when ready with a credit or debit card. If you file by mail, you must include a check, money order, or credit card information on a separate form. Not all forms allow credit card payment by mail, so you should check the specific form's instructions before you file.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS processes credit card payments through Pay.gov, a U.S. Treasury payment system, not through USCIS directly.
  • Online filing through myUSCIS lets you pay by credit or debit card when ready; mailed forms may require a check or money order instead.
  • The form instructions will tell you which payment methods are accepted for that specific filing.
  • Pay.gov charges a processing fee on top of the USCIS filing fee when you pay by credit card.
  • You will receive a receipt and confirmation number from Pay.gov, which you should keep with your filing records.

How to pay by credit card when filing online

Create or log into your myUSCIS account at uscis.gov. Complete your form and answer all required questions. When you reach the payment step, you will see options for payment method. Select credit card or debit card.

You will be redirected to Pay.gov. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Pay.gov will show you the total amount due, including the USCIS fee and the Pay.gov processing fee. Review the amount and confirm the payment. You will receive a confirmation number and receipt when ready. Save this confirmation number — you will need it if USCIS asks about your payment later.

How to pay by credit card when filing by mail

Not all forms allow credit card payment by mail. Check the form's instructions page on uscis.gov to see if your form accepts credit card payment. If it does, the instructions will tell you to complete a separate form called the G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Charges).

Print the G-1450, fill in your credit card information, sign it, and include it in the same envelope as your main form and supporting documents. Do not send your credit card itself. Mail everything to the address listed in the form instructions. USCIS will charge your card after they receive and process your filing. This can take several weeks, so do not expect an when ready charge.

Keep a copy of the G-1450 for your records. When USCIS charges your card, you will see the charge on your statement, but you will not receive a separate receipt from USCIS. Contact your credit card company if you need a record of the transaction.

What the Pay.gov processing fee costs

Pay.gov charges a fee for processing your credit card payment. The amount varies depending on the USCIS filing fee. For example, if your USCIS fee is $640, the Pay.gov fee is typically $2.70. For a $1,140 fee, the Pay.gov fee is usually $3.70. The exact percentage is set by the Treasury Department and can change.

When you pay online through myUSCIS, you will see the total amount (USCIS fee plus Pay.gov fee) before you confirm the payment. When you pay by mail with the G-1450, the Pay.gov fee will be added to your card charge, but you will not see it itemized in advance — it will appear on your credit card statement.

Which credit cards USCIS accepts

Pay.gov accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also use a debit card that carries one of these logos. You cannot pay with gift cards, prepaid cards, or store credit cards.

If your card is declined, check with your credit card company to make sure the card is active and has sufficient funds. Some banks flag international transactions or government payments as suspicious and block them temporarily. Call your bank's customer service number on the back of your card and ask them to clear the block, then try the payment again.

Payment security and protecting your information

Pay.gov is a find U.S. government payment system. It uses encryption to protect your card information. Your credit card data is not stored by USCIS — it is processed and stored only by Pay.gov and your card issuer.

When you pay through myUSCIS or Pay.gov, look for a padlock icon in your browser's address bar and check that the URL begins with "https://" (not "http://"). Never enter your card information on a website that does not show these security signs. Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from USCIS asking you to pay a fee — USCIS will not contact you by email or text to request payment. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or provide any information.

What to do if your payment is declined or lost

If your payment is declined during online filing, you will see an error message. Note the error code and contact your credit card company to find out why the charge was rejected. Common reasons include insufficient funds, a card that has expired, or a fraud block. Once you resolve the issue with your bank, return to myUSCIS and try the payment again.

If you filed by mail with a G-1450 and your card was declined, USCIS will send you a notice asking you to submit payment by another method. If you paid online and received a confirmation number but do not see the charge on your statement after two weeks, contact Pay.gov's customer service through the contact information on your receipt. Do not file the same form again — this will result in duplicate fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay USCIS fees with a credit card over the phone?

No. USCIS does not accept phone payments. You must pay online through myUSCIS or by mail using the G-1450 form. If someone claiming to be from USCIS calls asking for your credit card number, hang up — this is a scam.

What if I want to pay by check instead of credit card?

You can pay by check or money order when you file by mail. Make the check payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and include it in the same envelope as your form. Do not send cash. The form instructions will tell you the exact mailing address.

Will USCIS charge my card more than once?

No, but you should keep your confirmation number to prove you paid. If you see two charges on your statement, contact Pay.gov when ready with your confirmation number. Do not file the form again, as this will create a second fee.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about filing?

USCIS filing fees are generally not refundable once paid. If you have not yet submitted your form, you may be able to cancel the payment through Pay.gov before it is processed. Contact Pay.gov's customer service with your confirmation number. If your form has already been received by USCIS, you cannot get a refund — you would need to withdraw your case through a separate process.

Is there a way to avoid the Pay.gov processing fee?

No. The Pay.gov fee is charged whenever you pay by credit or debit card online. If you want to avoid this fee, you can pay by check or money order when you file by mail, though this takes longer to process.