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Official form guide
Form G-1651: Exemption for Paper Fee Payment
DHS Form G-1651 is used to request an exemption for paper fee payment and is submitted by the petitioner of a benefit request. The form states that electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship.
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USCIS Form G-1651 - Exemption for Paper Fee Payment
DHS Form G-1651 is used to request an exemption for paper fee payment and is submitted by the petitioner of a benefit request. The form states that electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to certify accuracy or selecting an incorrect exemption reason invalidates the request.
- 2Filing without selecting one of the four specified exemption reasons (i-iv).
- 3Attesting that the information provided on the form is inaccurate.
- 4Submitting the form without a signature from the Payer.
- 5Not providing the required documentation justifying the paper payment need.
Plain English
This form allows someone filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ask not to pay fees electronically. By submitting Form G-1651, the filer authorizes USCIS to accept payment via paper remittance instead of online transfer. This request is necessary when electronic payments are difficult or undesirable.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific filing deadline; it must be submitted when a paper fee payment is required for an application, petition, or request.
- 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 a paper fee payment is required for an application, petition, or request filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship.
- Do not use it when you have access to banking services or electronic payment systems, unless one of the other listed exemptions applies.
- Check this form instead when the exemption is due to 'National security-or law enforcement-related activities where non-electronic transactions are necessary or desirable' (although this specific reason is also covered by G-1651).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Submitting a paper payment for an application
This form authorizes USCIS to receive the physical remittance on your behalf.
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Filing benefits requests with USCIS
Immigration benefit petitioners must submit this form along with their primary benefit request form.
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Requesting exemption for other reasons (e.g., 'Other circumstances')
This form allows the petitioner to certify the specific reason for requiring a paper payment, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
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Deadline or filing window
The filing trigger is when a paper fee payment is required for an application, petition, or request being filed with USCIS. There is no specific deadline stated on Form G-1651; however, DHS processes the case once this form and payment are received in full.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Exemption Reason (i)
Certification statement: "I do not have access to banking services or electronic payment systems" · Form G-1651
Purpose Statement
Requesting an exemption to process electronic payments/transactions · Form G-1651
Authority Cited
Section 286(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C 1356(m) · Form G-1651
Financial Agreement
Acceptance that fees are final and not refundable regardless of USCIS action · Form G-1651
Disbursement Hardship
The specific hardship must be 'undue hardship, as contemplated in 31 C.F.R. Part 208' · Form G-1651
Routine Use Disclosure
DHS may share the information with USCIS personnel and contractors or other agents who need the information to assist in activities related to processing associated fees · Form G-1651
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the form explicitly states the exemption reason chosen (i, ii, iii, or iv).
- 2Verify the petitioner attests on their own behalf or on behalf of the benefit requestor.
- 3Ensure the statement 'I certify that the information above is accurate' is present.
- 4Check that the signature block includes a clear Signature of Payer.
- 5Confirm the form acknowledges that electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship (if applicable).
- 6Verify the agreement clause stating fees are final and not refundable regardless of USCIS action.
- 7Ensure the date field is filled out.
- 8Check that the document references the collection pursuant to Section 286(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all fields on DHS Form G-1651, certifying the required exemption for paper fee payment.
- 2Affix a signature as Payer onto the form to attest to the information provided.
- 3Include this completed Form G-1651 with your primary benefit request form when submitting it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- 4Ensure you receive confirmation that USCIS has received the paper remittance, which initiates case processing.
Known limitations
- 1The exemption applies if an electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship as contemplated in 31 C.F.R. Part 208.
- 2Exemption is applicable for national security-or law enforcement-related activities where non-electronic transactions are necessary or desirable.
- 3An exemption can be claimed based on 'Other circumstances' determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, as reflected in regulations or other guidance.
- 4The form certifies that the information provided on Form G-1651 is accurate.
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->The current edition of DHS Form G-1651 is dated 06/03/25, and the source indicates this is Page 1 of 1. The source does not specify any changes from a prior revision.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm 06/03/25 is listed on the form.
- Form Number — ensure the document clearly displays USCIS Form G-1651.
- Signature — verify a signature of Payer is present and legible.
- Exemption Reason — confirm one specific exemption (i, ii, iii, or iv) is cited on the form.
- Purpose Statement — check that the primary purpose listed is 'to request an exemption to process electronic payments/transactions'.
- Page Count — verify the document states 'Page 1 of 1'.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed and signed Form G-1651 for personal records.
- 2Confirm the payment made covers applications, petitions, or requests filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- 3Understand that once submitted, the fees and all related financial transactions are final and not refundable, regardless of USCIS action on the case.
- 4Be aware that failure to provide the requested information may result in USCIS and the petitioner's financial institution not accepting the payment.
Sources
- SRCForm G-1651 Edition date is 06/03/25 (Page 1 of 1).
- SRCThe form attests that a paper fee payment is required due to one of four exemptions (Page 1 of 1).
- SRCThe information on Form G-1651 is collected pursuant to Section 286(m) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C 1356(m) (Page 1 of 1).
- SRCThe primary purpose of providing this form's information is to request an exemption to process electronic payments/transactions (Page 1 of 1).
- SRCImmigration benefit petitioners submit Form G-1651 along with a benefit request form to USCIS (Page 1 of 1).
- SRCThe payment covered by this transaction is final and not refundable, regardless of USCIS action (Page 1 of 1).
Common confusion points
Who must file Form G-1651?
The petitioner of a benefit request submits this form.
→ Ensure you are filing it along with your main benefit request form.
What is the primary purpose of submitting Form G-1651?
To request an exemption to process electronic payments/transactions, authorizing USCIS to receive paper remittance.
→ Check that the requested information aligns with needing a paper payment option.
Does this form apply only if you cannot use banking services?
No; it applies if you lack access to banking or electronic systems OR due to national security/law enforcement needs OR other circumstances.
→ Review the four listed exemption reasons on Form G-1651 to confirm applicability.
What happens after USCIS receives the paper payment via this form?
DHS processes the case when the payment is received in full.
→ Verify that the payment amount matches the required fee for your specific application/petition.
Is there a deadline associated with filing Form G-1651?
Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
What if USCIS rejects the paper payment despite this form?
The fees and related financial transactions are final, but failure to provide information may lead to non-acceptance of the payment.
→ Keep documentation showing you submitted Form G-1651 with your initial filing.
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Questions about USCIS Form G-1651
What is USCIS Form G-1651 used for?
This form allows someone filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ask not to pay fees electronically. By submitting Form G-1651, the filer authorizes USCIS to accept payment via paper remittance instead of online transfer. This request is necessary when electronic payments are difficult or undesirable.
Who must file USCIS Form G-1651?
Immigration benefit petitioners must file DHS Form G-1651 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petitioner submits this form alongside the primary benefit request form.
What information does USCIS Form G-1651 require?
The form collects information detailing why a paper fee payment is required, certifying that the information provided is accurate. The filer certifies the exemption reason by selecting from four options: i., ii., iii., or iv.
Where do I file USCIS Form G-1651?
Immigration benefit petitioners submit DHS Form G-1651 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form authorizes USCIS to receive the paper remittance from the petitioner.
How do I complete USCIS Form G-1651?
The filer must attest on their own behalf or on behalf of the benefit requestor that a paper fee is needed. The filer selects one of four specific exemptions (i-iv) to justify the need for paper payment. Finally, the Payer must sign the form.
What happens if USCIS Form G-1651 is filed incorrectly?
Failure to provide the requested information on this form may result in USCIS and the financial institution not accepting the payment for the government service fee.
Who must file Form G-1651?
The petitioner of a benefit request submits this form. Ensure you are filing it along with your main benefit request form.
What is the primary purpose of submitting Form G-1651?
To request an exemption to process electronic payments/transactions, authorizing USCIS to receive paper remittance. Check that the requested information aligns with needing a paper payment option.
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