How to Write a Check to Pay USCIS Fees: A Step-by-Step Guide

Paying fees to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a necessary part of applying for immigration benefits. Whether you are applying for a green card, citizenship, or other immigration statuses, understanding the accepted payment methods and how to use them correctly is crucial to avoid application rejection and processing delays. While USCIS offers various payment options, including online payments and credit cards, paying by check remains a reliable and frequently used method. This guide will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step process on how to properly write a check to ensure your USCIS fees are paid correctly and your application is processed smoothly.

Understanding USCIS Payment Options

USCIS provides multiple ways to pay your application fees, catering to different preferences and circumstances. It’s important to note that the available payment methods might depend on whether you are filing from within or outside the United States and the specific form you are submitting.

Generally, inside the United States, you can pay USCIS fees through:

• Online Payment: Using a credit or debit card or bank account withdrawal through the Pay.gov system when filing forms online.
• Mail with Check, Money Order, or Bank Draft: Sending a check, money order, or bank draft with your application forms to a USCIS Lockbox facility.
• Mail with Credit or Debit Card: Submitting Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, along with your application to a USCIS Lockbox facility.

For those outside the United States, payment methods may vary. It is best to consult the specific instructions of the international USCIS office or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your location for acceptable payment methods.

While online and card payments offer convenience, checks are still widely accepted and offer a clear record of payment. If you choose to pay by check, it’s essential to write it correctly to avoid any issues with your application.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Check for USCIS Fees

Writing a check for USCIS fees is straightforward, but accuracy is key. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your check is valid and accepted.

1. Date the Check:

   • Locate the date line, usually in the upper right corner of the check.
   • Write the current date using the U.S. date format: month/day/year.
   • For example, if today is January 4, 2024, write “01/04/2024” or “January 4, 2024”. Avoid formats like “4/1/2024” or “4 JAN 2024” as they are not standard U.S. formats.

   Alt text: Image showing step 1 of writing a check for USCIS fees, dating the check with month, day, and year format.

2. Payee Line – “Pay to the Order Of”:

   • Find the line labeled “Pay to the Order Of” on the check.
   • Write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” exactly as shown.
   • Do not use abbreviations like “USDHS” or “DHS”. Using the full, correct name is crucial for proper processing by USCIS.

   Alt text: Image showing step 2 of writing a check for USCIS fees, writing “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” on the payee line.

3. Numeric Amount Box:

   • Locate the small box next to the dollar sign ($).
   • Write the exact fee amount for your application in numerals. Refer to the USCIS Fee Schedule or Fee Calculator to determine the correct amount.
   • Include cents if applicable. For example, if the fee is $760.00, write “760.00”.

   Alt text: Image showing step 3 of writing a check for USCIS fees, writing the numeric amount $760.00 in the box.

4. Written Amount Line:

   • Find the longer line directly below the “Pay to the Order Of” line.
   • Write out the dollar amount in words.
   • For the cents portion, write it as a fraction over 100.
   • For example, for $760.00, write “Seven hundred sixty and 00/100”. Ensure the written amount matches the numeric amount exactly.

   Alt text: Image showing step 4 of writing a check for USCIS fees, writing the written amount “Seven hundred sixty and 00/100” on the line.

5. Memo Line (Purpose of Payment):

   • Locate the “Memo” or “Note” line, usually in the bottom left corner of the check.
   • Write a brief description of the purpose of your payment. Include the form number you are filing and your name (or the applicant’s name if you are paying on their behalf).
   • For example, “N-400 application – [Your Name]” or “I-130 Application for [Applicant’s Name]”. This helps USCIS correctly identify your payment.

   Alt text: Image showing step 5 of writing a check for USCIS fees, writing “N-400 application” in the memo line.

6. Sign the Check:

   • Sign your check on the signature line, typically in the bottom right corner.
   • Use your legal name and sign in ink. Ensure your signature matches the name preprinted on the check.

   Alt text: Image showing step 6 of writing a check for USCIS fees, signing the check on the signature line.

7. Review and Submit:

   • Before submitting, double-check all information on the check: date, payee name, numeric and written amounts, memo, and signature.
   • Ensure the check is drawn on a U.S. financial institution and payable in U.S. funds.
   • Make sure your personal check is preprinted with your name and bank’s name, and your address and phone number are preprinted, typed, or written in ink.
   • Mail the check along with your application form as instructed in the form instructions.

Important Considerations When Paying USCIS Fees by Check

• Electronic Funds Transfer Authorization: By submitting a check, you authorize USCIS to convert it into an electronic fund transfer. Ensure sufficient funds are available in your account to avoid issues.
• Insufficient Funds: If your check is returned for insufficient funds, USCIS will resubmit the payment once. If it’s rejected a second time, your application may be rejected.
• Check Date Validity: USCIS will reject checks dated more than 365 days prior to submission. Use a current date when writing your check.
• Separate Payments for Multiple Applications: If submitting multiple applications, petitions, or requests, you must include separate checks for each form. Combining payments may lead to rejection of your entire package.
• Single Payment Method per Application: You must pay for each application using a single payment method (check, money order, or card). You cannot split payments between different methods for one application.

Other Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Cards and Online Payments

While this guide focuses on check payments, remember that USCIS also accepts credit and debit card payments and online bank transfers in many situations.

• Credit or Debit Card: You can pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and prepaid cards from these networks issued by a U.S. bank. To pay by card via mail, you must complete and submit Form G-1450 with your application.
• Online Payment: When filing forms online, the system will guide you through the payment process using Pay.gov, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s secure payment portal.

Choose the payment method that is most convenient for you, while ensuring it is accepted for the specific form and filing location.

Conclusion

Paying USCIS fees correctly is a critical step in your immigration process. While various payment methods are available, writing a check remains a viable and well-documented option. By following these step-by-step instructions and paying attention to important details, you can confidently pay your USCIS fees by check and ensure your application gets processed without payment-related delays. Always refer to the official USCIS website and form instructions for the most up-to-date information and specific payment guidelines for your situation.