Last updated: April 8, 2024.
By Asel Mukambetova, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney
What is Form G-1450?
Form G-1450 is the “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions” issued by USCIS.
This form is used to authorize the USCIS to charge fees to a credit card for certain immigration-related applications and services.
IMPORTANT: we do NOT recommend paying an USCIS filing fee with a credit card if you are filing time-sensitive applications (such as Form I-751, Form I-539, etc.)
If your bank declines the transaction, USCIS will NOT register your application and return it to you.
Failure to timely register an application with USCIS may result in denial of the immigration benefit you are seeking.
It’s recommended to pay USCIS government fees with a personal check, money order or cashier’s check.
This will ensure that your payment of fees is accepted and the application is timely registered by USCIS.
Which immigration forms can be filed using G-1450?
It’s important to note that USCIS may update the list of forms eligible for credit card payments.
Check on the USCIS website if Form G-1450 is accepted prior to filing an application.
Failure to submit an accepted form of payment might result in your application being rejected.
Form G-1450 can be used to file the following common immigration forms:
- Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
- Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
- Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document
- Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant
- Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
- Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility
- Form I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver
- Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
- Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition
- Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
- Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service
- Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
- Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
How to fill out Form G-1450?
Here are the instructions on filling out Form G-1450:
Download the latest version of Form G-1450 from the USCIS website. USCIS will reject any outdated forms.
Applicant’s/Petitioner’s/Requester’s Information (Full Legal Name)
This section gathers personal information about the person applying for immigration benefits.
For example, if you are filing Form I-130, provide the petitioner’s (sponsor’s) full name here.
If you are filing Form I-485, enter the applicant’s (person applying for a green card) full name in this section.
Given Name (First Name): enter the petitioner’s/applicant’s/requester’s first name.
Middle name (if any): enter the petitioner’s/applicant’s/requester’s middle name (if any).
Family Name (Last Name): enter the petitioner’s/applicant’s/requester’s last name.
Credit Card Billing Information (Credit Card Holder’s Name as it Appears on the Card)
This section collects personal information about the card holder.
Anyone can pay the filing fees as long as the person who signs the Form G-1450 is authorized to make payments on the credit card.
Petitioner, applicant, beneficiary or any other person can pay the government fees.
Given Name (First Name): enter the card holder’s first name.
Middle name (if any): enter the card holder’s middle name (if any).
Family Name (Last Name): enter the card holder’s last name.
Credit Card Holder’s Billing Address: enter the card holder’s billing address that the bank has on file.
Street Number and Name: enter the street number and street name
Apt. Ste. Flr.: check the applicable box
Number: enter the apartment number, suite number or floor number
City or Town: enter the city or town
State: enter the state
ZIP Code: enter the 5-digit ZIP code
Credit Card Holder’s Signature and Contact Information:
Credit Card Holder’s Signature: card holder must sign in ink here. USCIS does not accept computer-generated or stamped signatures.
Credit Card Holder’s Daytime Telephone Number: enter card holder’s phone number.
Credit Card Holder’s Email Address: enter the card holder’s email address.
Credit Card Information:
Credit Card Number: enter the credit card number
Credit Card Expiration Date: enter the credit card’s expiration date in mm/yyyy format.
Credit Card Type: choose Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover.
Authorized Payment Amount: enter the USCIS fee amount.
NOTE: you must complete a separate Form G-1450 for each fee. For example, if you are filing Forms I-130 and Form I-485 at the same time, you need to complete two separate G-1450s.
Make sure the information is accurate and matches the details on the credit card.
Put the completed Form G-1450 on top of your immigration application package.
Will USCIS charge an additional fee if I use Form G-1450?
Using Form G-1450, “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions,” itself does not incur an additional fee from USCIS.
Who can pay the government fees using Form G-1450? Petitioner or Beneficiary?
In fact, any person who is authorized to use a credit card issued by a US bank can pay the USCIS fees.
The cardholder must fill out and sign Form G-1450. The cardholder must sign the form in ink. USCIS does not accept computer-generated or stamped signatures.
Either the petitioner or the beneficiary can sign Form G-1450, “Authorization for Credit Card Transactions,” to pay the government fees associated with immigration applications or petitions.
The key factor is that the individual filling out the form and providing the credit card information must have authorization to use the credit card for the specified purpose.
Here are some considerations:
Petitioner or Sponsor:
- If someone other than the beneficiary, such as a petitioner or sponsor, is willing to pay the fees using their credit card, they can complete Form G-1450 with their credit card information. This is common, especially when the petitioner is responsible for covering the associated costs.
Beneficiary:
- If the beneficiary is willing and able to pay the fees using their own credit card, they can complete Form G-1450 with their credit card information.
Authorization and Accuracy:
- Whichever party fills out the form must ensure that the credit card information provided is accurate, and they must have the authority to use the credit card for this specific purpose.
What happens if my bank declined the transaction when using Form G-1450?
If your bank declines the transaction when using Form G-1450, it means that the payment authorization has not been successful.
Here’s what typically happens in such a scenario:
Payment Failure:
- If your bank declines the transaction, the payment will not go through, and USCIS will not receive the intended fee payment.
USCIS Rejection:
- USCIS will reject your application and return the application to you. Your application is not registered and you need to refile your application.
Resubmission:
- You will need to prepare your application again. Make sure that you’re using the most recent editions of the immigration forms. Sign and date each form again. Submit the photocopies of required supporting documents. Resubmit the new application using a different credit card, providing corrected credit card information, or using an alternative payment method. Make sure you are mailing the application to the correct USCIS filing address.
- Submitting a money order or cashier’s check are proven payment methods.
Deadline Considerations:
- It’s important to address the payment issue promptly, especially if there are deadlines associated with your immigration application. Failure to timely file an application might make you ineligible for immigration benefits you are seeking.
Bank Communication:
- Contact your bank to understand the reason for the declined transaction. It could be due to insufficient funds, credit limit issues, security concerns, or other reasons. Resolve any issues with your bank before attempting another payment.
Check Form and Information:
- Review the information you entered on Form G-1450 to ensure that it is accurate and matches the details on your credit card. Any discrepancies may lead to a declined transaction.
What credit cards are accepted by USCIS when filing Form G-1450?
USCIS accepts the following credit cards:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
Additionally, when using a credit card for immigration purposes, it’s advisable to ensure that the credit card is authorized for online and international transactions, especially if you are making a payment from outside the U.S.
Some credit card companies may have security measures or restrictions in place for certain types of transactions.
