How to Properly Fill Out a Money Order for Your Immigration Application

When preparing an immigration application to submit to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), accuracy is critical—not only in your forms, but in the accompanying payment. Many applicants choose to pay required government filing fees using a money order, particularly those who do not have access to personal checks or prefer not to use credit or debit cards.

At Canero Fadul Reis Law, we regularly assist clients with every detail of their immigration filings, including how to properly complete a money order. A small error in this process can result in your application being delayed or even rejected. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your payment is filled out correctly and accepted by USCIS.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing a Money Order

1. Pay to the Order ofWrite the full name of the U.S. government agency that will receive your payment. In most cases, for immigration applications filed with USCIS, this will be:“U.S. Department of Homeland Security”

Important: Do not abbreviate this to "USDHS" or "DHS"—doing so may result in your money order being rejected.

2. AmountWrite the exact amount of the filing fee. This must be written in both numerical and word format (e.g., $640.00 and “Six hundred forty and 00/100”).Double-check the current filing fee on the USCIS website to avoid overpaying or underpaying, both of which can lead to a rejected application.

3. From (Purchaser’s Information)Include your full legal name and mailing address. This information should exactly match what you provide on your immigration application. Consistency is key to avoiding processing delays or confusion.

4. Memo or Payment ForIn this section, write one of the following, depending on your case:

• Your A-number (Alien Registration Number) if applicable

• The form name and purpose of the payment, such as:

  • “I-130 Petition for Alien Relative”

  • “I-485 Adjustment of Status”

  • “N-400 Naturalization Fee”

  • 
    

5. Purchaser’s SignatureSign the money order in the designated section labeled “Purchaser’s Signature” or “Signature.”

Note: If you forget to sign the money order, it may be considered invalid and could delay your entire case.

Best Practices and Additional Tips

• Use black or blue ink only, and write clearly to avoid smudges or misinterpretation.

• Do not leave any required sections blank unless advised to do so by the issuing agency.

• Keep a photocopy or take a photo of the completed money order and receipt. You may need this for tracking or proof of payment.

• If you are submitting multiple applications, use separate money orders for each one, and label each clearly in the memo section.

• Verify the correct USCIS mailing address based on your form type and whether you're using USPS or a courier service like FedEx or UPS.

Why Getting It Right Matters

USCIS strictly enforces submission guidelines. An incorrectly completed or misdirected money order may lead to your application being returned without processing, significantly delaying your case. In certain situations, particularly with time-sensitive filings, such delays can have serious consequences on legal status and employment authorization.

Because of this, it is essential that every aspect of your filing—including the payment—is properly prepared and reviewed. This is where working with an experienced immigration attorney can provide valuable peace of mind.

How We Can Help?

At Canero Fadul Reis Law, we understand the high stakes involved in every immigration filing. Our legal team provides comprehensive support throughout the application process, from evaluating your eligibility and gathering supporting evidence to preparing your forms and submitting government-compliant payments.

If you are unsure how to prepare your application package or have questions about any part of the process—including how to properly submit your fees—we invite you to schedule a consultation with our firm. We are here to guide you every step of the way and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation or visit our website to learn more about our immigration services.