Recent changes by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have introduced a new process for the payment of fees for certain immigration-related forms. Read on and reach out to a dedicated New York City immigration lawyer from the Lightman Law Firm to learn more about the change to the fee payment process.
Understanding the New Payment Process
The USCIS has shifted from an in-person fee payment system to a more convenient method involving remote payments. This change primarily affects how applicants, their attorneys, and accredited representatives can pay fees when filing specific forms. Under the new system, payments can be made through mail, eliminating the need for physical presence at a USCIS field office. This modification is designed to streamline the process, making it more efficient and less time-consuming for all involved parties.
Key Forms and Procedures Affected
The update impacts several forms and procedures. Importantly, the process for submitting payments for these forms now requires adherence to specific instructions provided by the USCIS. This includes mailing checks or utilizing Form G-1450 for credit card transactions, which should be sent directly to the relevant USCIS field office.
Special Considerations for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives
Legal professionals must pay particular attention to the new guidelines. For instance, when dealing with the EOIR-29 form, attorneys and accredited representatives are required to follow a specific protocol. This involves using a link provided by the USCIS Contact Center for payment, after which the necessary documents, along with the payment receipt, must be mailed to the designated field office.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Notably, the new payment system does not apply universally to all forms and situations. For example, emergency advance parole (EAP) requests involving Form I-131 still require in-person appointments and payments at USCIS field offices.
If you have further questions, or require the assistance of a competent New York City immigration lawyer, please don’t hesitate to contact the Lightman Law Firm today. Our firm has been a trusted advocate for immigrants across New York State for years.
