What is the new USCIS regulatory change?

USCIS is eliminating paper checks as of October 28, 2025

Why is the USCIS eliminating paper checks?

USCIS is moving toward digital payment systems to reduce delays, errors, and risks associated with paper checks. This transition allows applications to be processed more efficiently.

How can your firm handle this change?

When the USCIS stops accepting paper checks on October 28, 2025, you can avoid trust accounting headaches by paying fees with a 8am™ Visa® Business Card. The credit card fully integrates with expense tracking and invoicing in MyCase. You can use unique virtual card numbers for each case to maintain 1:1 tracking, and receive instant purchase notifications so you know exactly when the filing fees are charged.

Smart Spend for immigration law firms

Ready for the USCIS payment switch?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that paper checks will no longer be accepted for filing fees. Transition smoothly to paying with virtual credit cards using 8am™ Smart Spend. Smart Spend revolutionizes how you pay and manage immigration filing fees by integrating the 8am™ Visa® Business Card with expense tracking and invoicing tools in 8am MyCase and 8am LawPay.

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How does Smart Spend benefit immigration firms?

Smart Spend keeps USCIS payments simple and secure

Move forward without disruption—secure payments, clear records, and peace of mind.

Expense-to-matter tracking

Gain full visibility, as every filing fee is directly connected to its corresponding case. Smart Spend provides true 1:1 Expense-to-Matter tracking, removing trust accounting headaches entirely.
Generate virtual cards for each case
Tag each expense automatically to the right matter
View all case expenses in a single dashboard
Fully controlled spending

Make every payment secure and transparent with virtual cards built for immigration firms. Each card can be tied to a single case and capped at the exact USCIS fee—so funds won’t be overcharged or misused.
Protect case-specific cards protect trust accounts and limit exposure
Set custom spend limits ensure discipline and flexibility for each matter
Lock or pause cards instantly once payments are complete
Adjust permissions as needs change, giving your team full control
Know exactly when each fee is processed

With Smart Spend virtual cards, you get instant confirmation the moment USCIS processes a filing fee. Each card is tied to a single case and capped at the exact fee amount, giving you unmatched visibility and control.
Get real-time SMS + dashboard alerts when USCIS charges the card
Enjoy peace of mind knowing the case has been received
Reimburse from trust without delay with the help of automatic invoice updates
Bank-grade data security

Protect your firm’s operating and trust account information from unnecessary exposure. With Smart Spend, sensitive account details stay private and compliant.
Use virtual credit cards that reduce exposure of account numbers
Share a case-specific virtual card number instead of your firm’s credit card or ACH details, reducing risk whenever USCIS requires payment information on paper forms
Lock or pause cards instantly when needed

8am Smart Spend Virtual Cards

No more guesswork in USCIS Fee Tracking

Eliminate the hassle of matching USCIS payments with 8am SmartSpend—every fee is instantly tied to the right case using secure virtual cards. Integrated with MyCase and LawPay, it gives you full visibility and confidence before every filing.

8am solutions for immigration firms

From case prep to payments, we have a solution

MyCase is a complete legal case management system that perfectly syncs client files, expenses, and trust accounting. With Smart Spend built right in, immigration firms can track USCIS payments case by case, simplify trust accounting, and invoice faster—all from one connected platform.

Explore MyCase

DocketWise is an immigration-specific case management platform designed to simplify and streamline filing preparation. It streamlines forms, organizes client data, and connects seamlessly with workflows, helping your firm save time and focus more on client service.

Explore DocketWise

LawPay is a secure online payment solution built specifically for law firms. It ensures compliant credit card and trust account processing, giving your firm peace of mind and your clients an easy, professional way to pay. Integrated with Smart Spend, every transaction stays safe, transparent, and tied to the right case.

Explore LawPay

8am news

Resources to help you stay ahead

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Webinar: Eliminate Case Expense Chaos with 8am Smart Spend

Airing October 9, 2025, at 11:00 am CT | Registration open now

What feels like a disruptive mandate from USCIS could be the chance for immigration firms to strengthen security, compliance, and cash flow. Our upcoming webinar covers the details.

Prepare your firm

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Webinar: USCIS Transition to Electronic Payments: What You Need to Know

Airing October 28, 2025, at 12:00 pm CT | Registration open now

With USCIS moving all filing fees to electronic payments, applicants, employers, and attorneys face a significant shift. Join immigration attorney Giselle M. Rodriguez for a 45-minute session on what you need to know.

Stay ahead of changes

USCIS moves toward modernized fee payments

USCIS will stop accepting most paper checks and money orders for filing fees starting October 2025, requiring electronic payment in nearly all cases. Learn about the rule, its impact on immigration firms, and what you need to know about exemptions, emergency payments, and fee waivers.

Customer stories

What your peers are saying

"We’re no longer losing those hard costs and expenses we used to lose all the time, because we can now see exactly which case each credit card charge is attached to."

April Johnson

Office Manager

Firm: Cottingham, Hall, McBride & Hansen

“I love this. This is the best thing ever. This is going to save so much time for my staff.”

Emily McFarling, ESQ.

Managing Partner

Firm: McFarling, Cohen, Fic, & Squires

Are you ready for the change in USCIS payments?

Smart Spend integrates directly with MyCase and LawPay expense and invoicing tools, so every filing fee is secure, trackable, and tied to the right case.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to unlock your potential?

Let’s talk about our tailored solutions, built to help you work smarter, grow faster, and win more.

Ready for the USCIS payment switch?

Smart Spend keeps USCIS payments simple and secure

Expense-to-matter tracking

Fully controlled spending

Know exactly when each fee is processed

Bank-grade data security

Track every expense