Overview (What is Form G-1651?)
#G-1651 is a payment-method exemption, not a waiver of the USCIS filing fee. Submit it at the same time as the underlying benefit request and correct paper payment; USCIS does not preapprove it. The form lists narrow exemption grounds, including lack of access to banking/electronic payment, undue hardship under 31 C.F.R. Part 208, certain national-security or law-enforcement needs, or other Treasury-authorized circumstances.
Context and workflow
#USCIS changed paper-filed benefit-request payments on 28 October 2025. Choose G-1650 for an ACH debit from a U.S. bank account, G-1450 for a card, or G-1651 only when you qualify for a paper-payment exemption.
Who uses it
Use G-1651 only when the payer can truthfully certify one of the exemption grounds printed on the current form. If you can pay a mailed filing by U.S. bank ACH, use G-1650; if you can use a credit, debit, or prepaid card, use G-1450 instead.
When it is used
- To request permission to include a paper-based payment with a mailed USCIS benefit request
- When the payer lacks access to banking services or electronic payment systems
- When electronic payment would cause undue hardship under the federal rule cited on the form
- For another exemption expressly listed on the current G-1651
What it asks for (What does Form G-1651 ask for?)
#- Which listed exemption applies
- Payer certification that the information is accurate
- Payer signature and date
What you need (What do you need for Form G-1651?)
#- Current edition of Form G-1651 (edition 06/03/25 at last review)
- Completed underlying USCIS application, petition, or request
- Correct paper payment in an accepted form and U.S. dollars
- Truthful basis for one of the exemptions listed on G-1651
- Separate paper payment for each separate benefit request
Evidence checklist
#- Current edition of Form G-1651 (edition 06/03/25 at last review)
- Completed underlying USCIS application, petition, or request
- Correct paper payment in an accepted form and U.S. dollars
- Truthful basis for one of the exemptions listed on G-1651
- Separate paper payment for each separate benefit request
Checklist (What is the Form G-1651 checklist?)
#- Verify that a listed G-1651 exemption actually applies
- Check the exact underlying fee on Form G-1055
- Complete and sign G-1651
- Prepare an accepted paper payment for the exact amount
- Place G-1651 and the payment on top of the underlying benefit request
- Mail the complete package to the current address for that request
Fees
#G-1651 has no separate fee and does not waive the underlying filing fee.
Where to file
#Do not file G-1651 by itself. Place it on top of the completed benefit request and mail the entire package to the filing address listed for that underlying USCIS form.
Submit application
Send with the underlying paper-filed application, petition, or request to its current Lockbox, Service Center, or other listed filing address.
The payment form does not change where the underlying request is filed. Using the wrong address can delay or reject the package.
Form sections (What sections does Form G-1651 have?)
#Choose the correct exemption ground
Read each certification on the current G-1651 and select only a ground that truthfully applies to the payer. The listed grounds concern lack of electronic-payment access, qualifying undue hardship, specified government needs, or another authorized exception—not ordinary preference for paper.
Assemble the payment package
Sign G-1651 and place it on top of the completed benefit request with the exact accepted paper payment. Do not mail the form separately and do not combine the paper payment with G-1650 or G-1450 for the same benefit request.
Common mistakes (What mistakes are common with Form G-1651?)
#- Treating G-1651 as a fee waiver
- Submitting G-1651 before or after the underlying request
- Leaving the payer signature blank
- Using a paper payment without qualifying for an exemption
- Combining a paper payment with G-1450 or G-1650 for the same request
- Using one combined payment for several separate benefit requests
Examples (What are examples for Form G-1651?)
#- A payer without access to banking or electronic payment certifies that listed ground, signs G-1651, and mails it with the request and exact paper payment.
- A payer who merely prefers a check but can pay electronically does not automatically qualify for G-1651.
- A family mailing two separate benefit requests uses separate paper payments so a defect in one request does not require rejection of both.
- A payer who can use a credit, debit, or prepaid card uses Form G-1450 instead of claiming a G-1651 exemption.
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form G-1651?)
#- G-1651 does not waive or reduce the underlying USCIS filing fee.
- USCIS does not approve G-1651 in advance; it must accompany the request and payment.
- It is not needed for G-1650 ACH or G-1450 card payment.
- Preference for a check alone is not one of the stated exemption grounds.
- G-1651 is evaluated with the mailed package; it is not an advance-approval request that can be filed first.
- G-1651 has no separate filing fee, but it is not optional paperwork — failing to include it when required can delay or jeopardize the underlying case.
In-depth guidance
#Choose the correct exemption ground
Read each certification on the current G-1651 and select only a ground that truthfully applies to the payer. The listed grounds concern lack of electronic-payment access, qualifying undue hardship, specified government needs, or another authorized exception—not ordinary preference for paper.
How to avoid a payment rejection
Confirm the current fee for the underlying benefit request on Form G-1055 immediately before filing. Keep each payment authorization or exempt paper payment clearly paired with the request it pays for. Save a complete copy of the package and monitor the account or payment instrument after delivery.
Verification
#This guide is based on the official USCIS G-1651 page, instructions, filing-fee guidance, and Policy Manual. Verify the current edition and payment rules immediately before filing.
Resources
#Free United States planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form G-1651.
United States eligibility checker
See which United States visas your profile fits before you finalize Form G-1651.
United States processing times
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form G-1651.
United States interview practice
Practice United States interview questions if your filing route includes one.