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Form G-1651: Exemption for Paper Fee Payment
Form G‑1651 is the USCIS “Exemption for Paper Fee Payment” request. Use it when you cannot pay a filing fee with a check, money order, or credit card and need an exemption.
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USCIS Form G-1651 - Exemption for Paper Fee Payment
Form G‑1651 is the USCIS “Exemption for Paper Fee Payment” request. Use it when you cannot pay a filing fee with a check, money order, or credit card and need an exemption.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1A missing signature on G‑1651 will cause an automatic rejection of the entire package.
- 2Leaving the signature line blank
- 3Using an outdated edition of the form
- 4Failing to explain the exemption reason clearly
- 5Submitting without the primary fee‑related form
Plain English
If you don’t have a way to write a check or use a credit card for a USCIS fee, this form asks USCIS to let you pay another way, like cash at a lockbox. It’s a short request that explains why you need the exemption.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File G‑1651 at the same time you submit the primary application that requires a fee, before USCIS processes the fee payment.
- 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 when you cannot pay a USCIS fee with a check, money order, or credit card.
- Do not use if you can provide a standard paper payment method.
- Check Form I‑912 if you qualify for a fee waiver instead of an exemption.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
No checking account
Fee waiver request
✓ Verify income eligibility before filing
Lost checkbook
Exemption for paper fee
✓ Confirm USCIS lockbox accepts cash
Bank account closed
Exemption request
✓ Ensure supporting statement explains closure
Deadline or filing window
USCIS does not set a separate deadline for G‑1651; it must be submitted with the primary application before the filing deadline of that application. If the primary form has a specific filing window, treat the exemption request as part of that same window.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Reason for exemption
Written explanation of inability to use paper fee · Applicant’s own statement
Applicant name
Printed name field · Passport or other ID
Signature
Handwritten signature line · Original ink signature
Date
Date line · Current date
Before you submit
- 1Downloaded the latest edition of Form G‑1651.
- 2Filled all required fields in black ink.
- 3Provided a clear, concise exemption reason.
- 4Signed and dated the form.
- 5Matched applicant name to the primary application.
- 6Included the form with the primary fee‑requiring application.
- 7Attached any supporting evidence (e.g., bank statement showing no checking account).
- 8Used the correct USCIS mailing address for the primary form.
- 9Checked postage and mailing method (USPS or courier).
- 10Retained a copy of the entire packet for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Download Form G‑1651 from USCIS.gov.
- 2Print on white 8.5" x 11" paper; do not photocopy.
- 3Complete personal information and fee‑related form reference.
- 4Write a brief exemption explanation (1‑2 sentences).
- 5Sign and date the form in black ink.
- 6Gather any supporting documents that prove the inability to pay by paper.
- 7Place G‑1651 on top of the primary application package.
- 8Mail the package to the address listed in the primary form’s filing instructions.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not grant a fee waiver; it only requests an alternative payment method.
- 2USCIS may still deny the exemption if the reason is not convincing.
- 3No electronic submission option; must be mailed.
- 4Only applicable when a paper fee method is required; not for online payments.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->USCIS currently lists Form G‑1651 as active and available for download. No recent revisions have been announced.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date – verify the PDF shows the current edition (usually listed on the first page).
- Fee – confirm the primary form’s fee amount matches the fee you are trying to pay.
- Mailing address – use the address shown on the primary form’s instructions, not a generic USCIS address.
- Signature – sign in black ink exactly as printed on the form.
- Applicant name – ensure it matches the name on the primary application.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the tracking receipt from the mailing service.
- 2Save a scanned copy of the entire submitted packet.
- 3Monitor USCIS case status for any Request for Evidence related to the exemption.
- 4If denied, consider filing Form I‑912 for a fee waiver.
- 5Update your records with the exemption decision date.
- 6Notify any attorney or representative of the outcome.
Sources
- SRCForm name and purposeUSCIS official form description
- SRCSignature requirementstandard USCIS form instructions
- SRCMailing address guidancederived from primary form filing instructions
- SRCEdition date locationfirst page of PDF
- SRCNo electronic filingUSCIS filing guidance for G‑1651
- SRCFee waiver vs. exemption distinctionUSCIS policy statements
- SRCCommon risksinferred from typical USCIS rejection reasons
- SRCNot clearly stated in the provided official source
Common confusion points
Exemption vs. waiver
People think G‑1651 waives the fee
→ Verify whether you need a fee waiver (I‑912) instead
Paper fee vs. online payment
Some think credit cards are paper
→ Clarify that credit cards are an electronic method
Where to mail
Different USCIS lockboxes for different forms
→ Use the address on the primary form’s instructions
Signature requirement
Some think a typed name suffices
→ Ensure a handwritten signature is present
Edition date
Older PDFs may still be online
→ Check the top of the form for the latest revision date
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Form I‑290B | Appeal or motion to reopen | Use if USCIS denies the exemption
Source transparency
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