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Filling out a money order for USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) is an essential step when applying for various immigration benefits, such as a visa, green card, or work permit. Ensuring that the money order is filled out correctly can save you time, prevent delays, and ensure your application is processed smoothly.
In this guide, we will explain the exact steps to follow when learning how to fill a money order for USCIS, so you can submit your application with confidence.
How to Fill a Money Order for USCIS
When submitting your USCIS application, you are often required to pay a filing fee. The most common form of payment is a money order. A money order is a secure, prepaid method of payment that can be purchased at most post offices, banks, or retail locations.
Understanding how to fill a money order for USCIS is critical because any mistakes can lead to delays in your application. In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, ensuring that you know exactly what to do when it’s time to fill out your money order.
Step 1: Purchase a Money Order
Before you can fill out a money order for USCIS, you need to purchase one. Money orders are available at various locations, including:
- United States Post Offices: Most post offices sell money orders. They typically have a low fee, which is usually under $2, plus the cost of the money order itself.
- Retail Locations: Many drug stores, grocery stores, and banks also sell money orders. The fee may vary slightly based on the location, but it will generally be affordable.
- Payment Methods: To purchase a money order, you can use cash, a debit card, or even a credit card. However, credit card payments may have an additional fee.
When you purchase a money order, you’ll need to pay both the amount of the money order and the purchase fee. Keep in mind that the money order must be filled out completely, and it should be made payable to the correct entity, which in the case of USCIS, is the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Step 2: Fill Out the Money Order
Now that you have your money order, it’s time to fill it out. Here is a breakdown of the sections you’ll need to complete:
- Pay to the Order of: In this section, you need to write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” This is the correct payee for all USCIS payments. Do not abbreviate the name, such as using “USDHS” or “DHS.” Always write it out in full to ensure your payment is processed correctly.
- Memo/Payment For: In the memo or “payment for” section, write your SEVIS ID number. The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) ID is a unique identification number that is assigned to international students and exchange visitors. If you don’t have a SEVIS ID number, make sure to use your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or any other number that USCIS requests.
- Purchaser/Purchaser’s Signature: This section is where you’ll sign your name. This signature should be the same as the name on your application. Do not sign the back of the money order; this can cause confusion and delays.
If the money order asks for your address, write the address that you provided on your USCIS application. This helps USCIS match your payment with your application.
Step 3: Double-Check for Accuracy
Before you finish, take a moment to review everything you’ve written. This step is crucial when you’re learning how to fill a money order for USCIS. A small mistake could cause delays in processing your application. Here’s a quick checklist to follow:
- Ensure that you have written “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” correctly.
- Verify that your SEVIS ID number is accurate and complete.
- Check that you’ve signed in the “purchaser’s signature” section and not on the back of the money order.
- Confirm that the date is written in the correct format: month, date, and year (e.g., 03/25/2025).
Once you’ve verified everything, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Step 4: Keep Your Receipt
After filling out the money order, make sure to keep the receipt for your records. The receipt will contain important information, including the tracking number for your money order. If there are any issues with your payment, the receipt will help you trace the money order and provide proof of payment.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are several important tips to consider when filling out a money order for USCIS:
- Do Not Abbreviate: Always write “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” in full. Using abbreviations like “USDHS” or “DHS” could cause your payment to be rejected.
- Separate Payments: If you are submitting multiple forms or paying multiple fees, you must pay each fee separately. Each money order should correspond to one fee. USCIS will not accept a single payment for multiple forms.
- Correct Date Format: Write the date in the month, date, year format (e.g., 03/25/2025). Using a different format may lead to confusion or delays.
- Avoid Signing the Back: Only sign the front of the money order. Signing the back can cause unnecessary complications.
- Check for Special Instructions: Some USCIS forms may require additional instructions. Always read the instructions carefully to ensure that you are filling out the money order properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While the process for how to fill a money order for USCIS is fairly straightforward, many applicants make simple mistakes that can delay their applications. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect Payee Name: Writing “U.S. Homeland Security” or “DHS” instead of “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” is one of the most common mistakes. This can result in the money order being rejected.
- Missing or Incorrect SEVIS ID: Failing to include your SEVIS ID number in the memo section is another mistake. This number helps USCIS match your payment with your application.
- Failure to Keep the Receipt: Not keeping a copy of the receipt can make it difficult to trace your payment if there are any issues with your application.
- Signing the Back: Signing the back of the money order is not necessary, and it could cause delays in processing your payment.
What Happens After You Submit the Money Order?
After you’ve filled out the money order for USCIS, the next step is to send it with your application. If you are mailing multiple forms to USCIS, ensure that each form has its own separate money order. USCIS will process your payment once it is received.
If your payment is correct, they will proceed with processing your application. If there are any issues with your payment, USCIS will contact you for clarification, which could delay the processing of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
How do I purchase a money order for USCIS?
To purchase a money order for USCIS, you can visit a United States Post Office, a bank, or a retail store such as a drug store or grocery store. Payment for the money order can typically be made using cash or a debit card, and there is usually a small fee (under $2) in addition to the money order amount.
Who do I make the money order payable to for USCIS?
When filling out a money order for USCIS, make it payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” This is the correct payee for all USCIS filing fees. Avoid abbreviating it as “USDHS” or “DHS.”
What should I write in the memo section of the money order for USCIS?
In the memo section of the money order, write your SEVIS ID number. This ensures that your payment is associated with your application. If you do not have a SEVIS ID, use your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or any other number requested by USCIS.
Do I need to sign the back of the money order for USCIS?
No, do not sign the back of the money order. You only need to sign your name in the “Purchaser/Purchaser’s Signature” section on the front of the money order. Signing the back can cause confusion and delays in processing.
Can I use a money order to pay multiple USCIS fees in one payment?
No, each USCIS filing fee should be paid separately with an individual money order. If you are submitting multiple forms or applications, you will need to use a separate money order for each fee.
What format should I use for the date on the money order?
When writing the date on the money order, use the month, date, year format (e.g., 03/25/2025). This is the correct format and helps avoid confusion during processing.
Where do I keep the receipt for the money order?
Keep the receipt for your money order in a safe place. The receipt contains a tracking number, which you can use to trace your payment in case of issues or if you need proof of payment for your USCIS application.
Can I pay USCIS filing fees with a personal check instead of a money order?
USCIS generally accepts money orders, personal checks, or cashier’s checks for most applications. However, always check the specific instructions for the form you are submitting, as some forms may require specific types of payment.
What should I do if I make a mistake on the money order for USCIS?
If you make a mistake on the money order, you will need to purchase a new one. You cannot correct mistakes on the original money order. Make sure to double-check all information, including the payee name, SEVIS ID, and your signature, before submitting the money order.
The Bottom Line
Learning how to fill a money order for USCIS is an important step in ensuring that your application is processed correctly and on time. By following the simple instructions outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your payment is completed without any issues.
Remember to double-check your information, keep a copy of the receipt for your records, and make sure that all sections of the money order are filled out accurately.
The process of submitting a money order for USCIS may seem straightforward, but taking a few extra minutes to ensure everything is filled out correctly will help you avoid unnecessary delays. By paying close attention to the details, you can ensure that your USCIS application moves forward smoothly.