WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that beginning October 1, 2010, domestic offices and U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam, will no longer accept cash payment. Eliminating the acceptance of cash will reduce USCIS operating costs. As an alternative to cash, our customers may pay using checks (including personal checks), money orders, and credit cards. Checks and money orders must be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Processing of your application will not be affected by the use of an alternative payment method.

USCIS accepts credit cards in all Field Offices that accept payments. Accepted cards include Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, and Discover® Network.

USCIS International Operations offices, located in embassies internationally, may continue to accept cash. For more information on USCIS payment options, visit www.uscis.gov.