Between USCIS delays in processing and people's tight financial situations, it's not uncommon for applicants for immigration benefits to worry that by the time U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cashes the check, they might have dipped below the amount they need to have. Here, we'll discuss how a bounced check will be treated by the U.S. immigration system.
First, you'll want to look into whether the delay at USCIS's end is normal. See the USCIS processing time information" on the agency's website for more information. That will give you an idea of how long you need to keep tabs on your checking account to make sure you have sufficient funds to cover the immigration fee. Write this on your calendar, or do whatever else is necessary to make sure you don't forget!
If your check does indeed bounce, the most likely result is that USCIS will return the application to you and you'll have to try again.
In the past, the agency often gave applicants more than one chance to pay, by sending notification and providing 14 days in which to send in a new check and pay a penalty. But more recently, its policy is to simply bounce the application or petition back to the person who filed it.
Your best bet, obviously, is to try to keep a minimum amount of cash your checking account at all times. Or, use a credit card, by filling out and submitting USCIS Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
Despite the expense, if your application goes off track because of an unpaid check, you could reduce further delays and hassle by hiring an experienced immigration attorney to help.