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Official form guide
Form G-1651: Exemption for Paper Fee Payment
Department of Homeland Security Form G-1651 is used to request an exemption from electronic fee payment for immigration benefit filings, allowing paper remittance when the filer lacks banking access or meets a statutory exemption; the form is edition 06/03/25.
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USCIS Form G-1651 - Exemption for Paper Fee Payment
Department of Homeland Security Form G-1651 is used to request an exemption from electronic fee payment for immigration benefit filings, allowing paper remittance when the filer lacks banking access or meets a statutory exemption; the form is edition 06/03/25.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting Form G-1651 without the required payer signature can cause USCIS to reject the payment.
- 2Leaving all exemption reason checkboxes unchecked, resulting in an incomplete attestation.
- 3Stating you have access to banking services when you actually do not, violating the exemption criteria.
- 4Failing to sign the payer’s signature line, which makes the form invalid.
- 5Omitting the date of signing, preventing USCIS from verifying when the attestation was made.
Plain English
Form G-1651 lets you ask USCIS to accept a paper check instead of an electronic payment if you cannot use banking services or qualify for a listed exemption. You attach it to your immigration benefit application, and USCIS will process your case once the paper fee is received in full.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you need a paper fee payment exemption because you lack banking services, face undue hardship, have national security or law‑enforcement reasons, or other Treasury‑determined circumstances.
- Do not use it when you have access to banking services or electronic payment systems and can pay electronically.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
No banking access or electronic payment services
Required to request paper fee exemption
✓ Verify exemption category before filing
Undue hardship under 31 C.F.R. Part 208
Needed to claim hardship exemption
✓ Include supporting documentation if applicable
National security or law‑enforcement activity requiring non‑electronic transaction
Used for security‑related exemption
✓ Ensure claim aligns with regulations
Deadline or filing window
Not stated in the official source.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Exemption reason selection
Not stated in the official source · Not stated in the official source
Signature of Payer
Not stated in the official source · Not stated in the official source
Date line
Not stated in the official source · Not stated in the official source
Attestation statement
Not stated in the official source · Not stated in the official source
Benefit request form attachment
Not stated in the official source · Not stated in the official source
Before you submit
- 1Verify the form edition is 06/03/25
- 2Select the appropriate exemption reason from the listed options
- 3Ensure the payer’s full name appears on the signature line
- 4Sign the "Signature of Payer" field
- 5Date the form where indicated
- 6Attach Form G-1651 to the corresponding USCIS benefit request form
- 7Review that no banking or electronic payment access is claimed incorrectly
- 8Keep a copy of the completed form for your records
How to file this form
- 1Complete the exemption section on Form G-1651
- 2Sign and date the form
- 3Include the form with the USCIS benefit‑request application
- 4Mail the package to the USCIS address specified in the benefit‑request instructions
- 5Retain a copy of the signed Form G-1651 as proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1Does not apply when the payer has access to banking services or electronic payment systems
- 2Does not cover refundable fees; fees are final and non‑refundable per the form
- 3Not valid for electronic transactions that are not exempted by the listed categories
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant Info
3 items
Your current legal name.
MM/DD/YYYY.
Alien Registration Number if previously assigned.
Details
1 items
The specific reason or legal basis for filing this form.
Evidence
1 items
List of documents supporting this application.
Signatures
2 items
Sign under penalty of perjury.
MM/DD/YYYY.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form G-1651 is edition 06/03/25; the source shows the revision date on the form header and does not indicate a newer version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm it reads 06/03/25 as shown on the form header
- Fee — Not stated in the official source
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source
- Signature — confirm the payer signs the 'Signature of Payer' line
- Exemption categories — verify one of the listed exemptions is selected
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the signed Form G-1651 copy for at least five years
- 2Monitor USCIS case status for receipt of the paper payment
- 3Expect a confirmation that the fee has been processed
- 4If USCIS notifies an error, submit a corrected Form G-1651 with the same benefit request
- 5Store any related correspondence in the same file as the benefit request
Sources
- SRCForm p.1 — edition date 06/03/25 appears in the form header
- SRCForm p.1 — exemption categories listed (no banking access, undue hardship, national security, other Treasury‑determined circumstances)
- SRCForm p.1 — purpose stated as request an exemption to process electronic payments/transactions
- SRCForm p.1 — signature line labeled "Signature of Payer"
- SRCForm p.1 — statement that fees are final and not refundable
- SRCForm p.1 — routine uses and system of records notices listed
- SRCNot stated in the official source — verify on the agency site
Common confusion points
Can I use this form if I have a credit card?
The form is only for lack of banking or statutory exemptions.
→ Confirm you truly lack banking access or meet an exemption.
Do I need to attach proof of hardship?
The form does not specify required supporting documents.
→ Include any documentation that substantiates the claimed exemption.
Is the fee refundable if my application is denied?
The disclosure states fees are final and not refundable.
→ Understand that payment will not be returned regardless of outcome.
What if I have multiple exemption reasons?
Only one exemption needs to be selected.
→ Choose the most applicable exemption and check it.
Where do I mail the form?
Mailing address is not provided on the form itself.
→ Use the address from the accompanying benefit‑request filing instructions.
Do I need to sign if an attorney files for me?
Signature of Payer must be from the person making the payment.
→ Ensure the payer, not the attorney, signs.
Workflow map
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Questions about USCIS Form G-1651
What is USCIS Form G-1651 used for?
Form G-1651 lets you ask USCIS to accept a paper check instead of an electronic payment if you cannot use banking services or qualify for a listed exemption. You attach it to your immigration benefit application, and USCIS will process your case once the paper fee is received in full.
Who must file USCIS Form G-1651?
The immigration benefit petitioner, or a representative filing on the petitioner’s behalf, must file USCIS Form G-1651.
What information does USCIS Form G-1651 require?
The form collects the filer’s attestation that a paper fee payment is required, the specific exemption reason (such as lack of banking access, undue hardship, national security, or other Treasury‑determined circumstances), and the payer’s signature and date.
How do I complete USCIS Form G-1651?
Complete the attestation section by indicating which exemption applies to your situation. Provide an accurate statement about your access to banking services or electronic payment systems. Sign the payer’s signature line and enter the date. Submit the signed form with your immigration benefit request.
What happens if USCIS Form G-1651 is filed incorrectly?
If the form is incomplete or inaccurate, USCIS may refuse to accept the paper payment, and all fees and related transactions are final and non‑refundable.
Can I use this form if I have a credit card?
The form is only for lack of banking or statutory exemptions. Confirm you truly lack banking access or meet an exemption.
Do I need to attach proof of hardship?
The form does not specify required supporting documents. Include any documentation that substantiates the claimed exemption.
Is the fee refundable if my application is denied?
The disclosure states fees are final and not refundable. Understand that payment will not be returned regardless of outcome.
Source transparency
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