The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated its fee payment process, introducing a more streamlined and efficient method for applicants, petitioners, requestors, and their legal representatives. This change will enhance the overall experience by saving time and reducing the need for in-person appointments at USCIS field offices.
New Mail or Remote Payment Process
Starting now, most individuals and their legal representatives can pay for certain benefit request forms by mail or remotely rather than having to do so in person. This can be done by mailing a check or the Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, directly to the USCIS field office along with their benefit request.
It is crucial for all parties to carefully review the filing instructions to ensure that their benefit request form is eligible for mail or remote submission and that it is sent to the correct location. USCIS will return any incorrect filings, and the applicant must resubmit their filing to the appropriate office.
Special Instructions for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives
For legal professionals handling EOIR-29, Notice of Appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals from a Decision of a DHS Officer, payments can now be processed through a link provided in an email or via text from the USCIS Contact Center. After the payment is processed, the necessary documents, including the EOIR-29, EOIR-2, EOIR-27, and the Pay.gov receipt, must be mailed to the field office.
Exception for Emergency Advance Parole Requests
An important exception to note is for emergency advance parole (EAP) requests. Applicants filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with an EAP request must still schedule an appointment with the USCIS Contact Center. They must apply in person with their complete form and supporting documentation and pay the applicable fee by credit card using Form G-1450 or by check at the field office.
Additional Information and Resources
For more details on the new fee payment process or other USCIS-related inquiries, individuals are encouraged to visit the official USCIS website. Additionally, USCIS maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.
This new process is part of USCIS’s ongoing efforts to improve its services and ensure a more convenient user experience. By adapting to these changes, applicants and their representatives can expect a more efficient processing of their requests.