What Happens if my Filing Fee is Rejected?

USCIS requires filing fees for the majority of non-immigrant and immigrant applications. Filing fees can be paid through the following methods:

• Online using a credit card, debit card, or bank withdrawal;
• By mail with a card, check, or money order; or
• In person at a USCIS field office.

Not all applications accept all of the payment methods listed above. Each individual application type will list the accepted payment methods in the instructions.

The most common ways of paying the fees are by mail along with the submitted application documents. What happens if the payment is rejected?

If the application fee is paid through card, check, or money order and the payment cannot be processed due to bank error or lack of fund issues, USCIS will reject and return the application. USCIS will run credit card payments once. If the payment does not go through, the application will be rejected and returned. For check payments, USCIS will deposit the checks and if there are insufficient funds, the application will be rejected and returned. For check payments, USCIS will also charge a penalty fee of $30 per rejected check. The fee must be paid online within the time specified on the rejection notice. USCIS will take no further action on the rejected case and the applicant must submit a new application with the a new payment.