USCIS to Require Electronic Payments for All Applications Starting October 28, 2025

Beginning October 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will require electronic payments for all paper-filed applications.

Applicants will now pay fees using:

• Form G-1450 to authorize credit or debit card transactions, or

• Form G-1650 to authorize ACH payments directly from a U.S. bank account.

The new rule eliminates the need for applicants or representatives to bring physical payments to field offices and aligns with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account, which mandates electronic government payments.

Online filers can continue submitting applications and payments through their USCIS online account using the secure pay.gov platform.

Certain applicants may qualify for limited exemptions from this requirement. Exemption details are available on Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment.

DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions Effective October 2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an interim final rule ending the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for most noncitizens who file renewal applications.

DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions Effective October 2025

Starting October 30, 2025, renewal applicants will no longer receive automatic extensions while waiting for approval, except in limited cases such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS). DHS says the change will allow U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to conduct more frequent vetting to deter fraud and identify potential security risks.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow stated the policy “ensures appropriate vetting and screening before extending employment authorization,” emphasizing that working in the U.S. “is a privilege, not a right.”

Noncitizens are urged to file renewal applications up to 180 days before expiration to avoid gaps in work authorization. EADs already extended before October 30, 2025, will not be affected.

USCIS Is Phasing Out Money Orders: What You Need to Know

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is modernizing how people pay filing and application fees—and that means that money orders and paper checks will soon no longer be accepted for most immigration benefit requests. If you're planning to file anything with USCIS, this change affects you. Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing, when, and how to be ready.

🔍 What’s Changing

USCIS has introduced a new payment method: ACH debit (electronic funds transfer directly from a U.S. bank account). This is done using Form G-1650, “Authorization for ACH Transactions.”

They also continue to allow credit card payments via Form G-1450.

Paper checks and money orders are being phased out: Starting October 28, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept them. After that date, most payments must be either electronic debit (ACH) or credit card.

✅ What You Should Do Now

To avoid delays, lost payments, or rejected applications, here are steps you can take now:

• Check Before You File Always review the specific USCIS form instructions (on USCIS.gov) and verify the payment methods accepted for that form and at the office where you are filing. Some field offices already reject money orders or cashier’s checks. 
• Get the Appropriate Forms If you have a U.S. bank account: Plan to use “Form G-1650” to authorize an ACH debit. 
•  If you don’t have a U.S. bank account: You can use Form G-1450 (credit/debit/prepaid card) to pay. 
• Make Sure Your Bank is Ready If you’re using ACH debit, ensure your bank allows automatic debit from USCIS or related agencies, and that you have the correct routing and account numbers. Also make sure the account has sufficient funds. USCIS may reject filings if the debit fails. 
• Avoid Waiting Until the Deadline Since the change is nationwide and official after October 28, 2025, waiting until right before the deadline can increase risk of mix-ups or rejections. 
• File earlier if possible. 
• Keep Proof and Documentation 
• If your area has an exemption or special case (no bank account, etc.), check whether there's a way to request an exemption (there are certain circumstances where paper payments may still be allowed or waivable). 
• Maintain documentation like bank statements or proof of inability to use electronic payments, as you may need them

Trump Signs New H-1B Law: $100,000 Annual Fee and Stricter Requirements

On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a new proclamation that brings sweeping changes to the H-1B visa program. The most striking provision: a $100,000 annual fee for all H-1B visa petitions, including renewals.

Key Provisions

Here are the main highlights of the new law:

• $100,000 Annual Fee – Both new applicants and renewal petitions must pay the fee, or they will be denied entry or extension.
• Entry Restrictions – Foreign nationals outside the U.S. who have not paid the fee will be barred from entering as H-1B workers, with limited exceptions for “national interest” cases.
• Documentation & Verification – Employers must retain proof of payment, subject to review by the State Department and DHS. Failure to pay will result in denial.
• Prevailing Wage Updates – The administration will initiate rulemaking to update wage requirements for H-1B workers, prioritizing high-skilled and higher-paid positions.

By dramatically raising costs and tightening wage rules, Trump’s move is designed to reshape the H-1B program into a much more exclusive pathway for only the highest-paid and most in-demand talent. The coming months will reveal whether these changes stand up in court, how employers adapt, and what it means for America’s ability to attract global talent.

[UPDATE] USCIS Limits Validity of Form I-693 to Pending Green Card Applications

USCIS has updated Volume 8 of the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, signed on or after November 1, 2023, is only valid while the associated immigration application is pending.

• Effective Date: Immediately, applying to all applications pending or filed on or after June 11, 2025.

• If the associated application (such as Form I-485) is withdrawn or denied, the submitted Form I-693 becomes invalid.

• For any new application, the applicant must submit a newly completed and signed Form I-693

I-693: USCIS requires Polio Vaccine Now

In case you missed it - USCIS started requiring the Polio vaccine. Make sure you get all the vaccines required! 

Polio Vaccine is required as part of your I-693 Form

According to USCIS, on May 1, 2024, the Vaccination Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons changed for the polio vaccine. One dose of IPV should be given to anyone 2 months or older if they are not currently up to date according to ACIP recommendations, including adults who cannot show proof of the childhood vaccine series. 

If the Form I-693 was signed by a civil surgeon on or after May 1, 2024, the new polio vaccine requirement applies!

Click here to read the full list of vaccines required>>

USCIS Announces Grace Period for I-485 Green Card Application Forms After Backlash

 On March 8, 2025, USCIS issued a grace period for a dozen newly updated immigration forms that were released in February and March 2025 and made effective immediately. 

What forms are affected?

These forms include key applications such as:

• N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
• I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
• I-131 (Application for Travel Documents)

Why?

Initially, USCIS released the “01/20/2025” editions of these forms without prior notice, creating uncertainty for applicants using previous versions. As a result, older editions received after the new forms' release date risked rejection. Now USCIS announced a grace period, allowing applicants to continue using prior versions until a specified deadline.

Important Deadlines: New Forms Required After These Dates

USCIS will accept only the 01/20/2025 editions of certain forms starting:

March 24, 2025

• Form I-356 – Request for Cancellation of Public Charge Bond
• Form I-914 – Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
• Form I-941 – Application for Entrepreneur Parole

April 3, 2025

• Form I-485 Supplement J – Confirmation of Valid Job Offer or Request for Job Portability
• Form I-485 Supplement A – Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i)
• Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Form G-325A – Biographic Information (for Deferred Action)
• Form I-192 – Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant
• Form I-134 – Declaration of Financial Support

April 4, 2025

• Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization
• Form I-131 – Application for Travel Documents, Parole, and Arrival/Departure Records

May 5, 2025

• Form I-918 – Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status

Avoid Delays: Check USCIS for the Latest Forms

I always suggest our readers that you should check the USCIS Forms pages to ensure you are submitting the correct edition of any required form. Using outdated versions after the grace period expires could lead to processing delays or rejection! 

Alright - Good luck my friends!

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Green Card Applicants Effective January 22, 2025

NEW! Effective January 22, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has waived the requirement for adjustment of status applicants to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. 

USCIS will no longer issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) related to COVID-19 vaccination proof, nor will it deny any adjustment of status application based on the absence of such documentation.

USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Green Card Applicants Effective January 22, 2025

This policy change signifies that applicants seeking to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident are no longer mandated to present evidence of COVID-19 vaccination during the medical examination process. However, it's important to note that other vaccination requirements remain in effect. Applicants must still comply with all other vaccination protocols as outlined by USCIS.

Important Update: New Requirement for Form I-693 Submission with Form I-485

Important Update: New Requirement for Form I-693 Submission with Form I-485

Starting December 2, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement a new rule that changes how Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) is submitted with Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

If you are required to submit Form I-693, or a partial Form I-693, such as the Vaccination Record, you must now submit it at the same time as your Form I-485. This new requirement means that failure to include your completed I-693 form or any required vaccination records along with your I-485 application will result in your Form I-485 being rejected by USCIS.

This change is being implemented to streamline the process and ensure a more efficient review of immigration applications. To avoid delays or the rejection of your application, make sure to gather all required medical and vaccination documents well in advance before submitting your Form I-485.

Remember, the deadline for compliance is December 2, 2024, so take action now to ensure your immigration paperwork is complete. 

Stay informed and make sure your application is in order to prevent unnecessary complications in your path to U.S. permanent residency!

USCIS Issues New Form I-131 with No Grace Period

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new edition of Form I-131, Application for Travel Document! From October 11, 2024, USCIS will no longer accept the previous version of the form. 

USCIS Issues New Form I-131 with No Grace Period

On October 11, 2024, USCIS will release a new version of Form I-131, now titled "Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records." This updated form, with the edition date of 06/17/24 (June 17, 2024), will become effective immediately upon publication, with the date printed at the bottom of each page of the form and its instructions.

As of October 11, 2024, USCIS will no longer accept applications submitted on the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-131 if they are postmarked on or after this date. However, applications using the 04/01/24 edition that are postmarked before October 11, 2024, will still be accepted.

More details on USCIS's webpage: https://www.uscis.gov/i-131