Sponsored

Swings for Sam Houdous at Bronson

By Sponsor
Swings for Sam 2025

Swings for Sam 2025 is back and it’s even better than last year! Whether you are a former patient of Dr. Sam’s, a member of the Arlington fitness community, or someone looking for a good time (and a good cause). We’d love for you to join us at Bronson Bierhall for a morning of wellness including kettlebell swings for raising money, food, cold plunges, raffles, yoga, coffee & more!

100% of your ticket purchase and donations will go to Sam!

Whats included in your ticket:

  • Full brunch buffet from Bronson
  • Coffee & donuts from Good Company
  • Flow Yoga class by SoulFire
  • Live DJ
  • 5 tickets to enter into raffle prizes (additional can be purchased seperately onsite)
  • Watch kettlebell swing fundraiser (or join as an athlete)

Grab your tickets here: Swings for Sam 2025 | A morning of wellness, food & impact Tickets, Sat, Oct 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

Sam Hodous is an exceptional person, and anyone he connects with can instantly feel a draw to his passion and enthusiasm. As a devoted son, loving husband to his wife Mary, caring father to his 4-year old son Obi, supportive brother, and cherished friend, Sam’s life is a testament to his commitment to those he loves and to the community he serves.

Dr. Sam, as his patients adoringly refer to him, creates connections with in a unique way that is truly transformative on their Physical Therapy journey. His expertise, love for movement and compassionate approach have touched countless lives.Sam is not just a skilled therapist but also a mentor who inspires others with his vast knowledge and eagerness to always learn and share. His supportive nature, collaborative energy, and optimism and make him a guiding light for those around him.

On August 21, 2024, Sam received a devastating diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). At his young age of 35, an admiringly strong & fit body, and career of helping other’s solve their physical limitations, this news is especially heartbreaking.As he navigates this new chapter, his stretch of community across the country & the world are coming together to support him and his family. We invite you to join us in raising funds to help alleviate the financial burdens associated with ALS and ensure that Sam, Mary and Obi have as much support as we can provide.Your generosity and support will not only help Sam manage the challenges ahead but also honor the incredible person he is and the positive impact he continues to make on so many lives.

You can also donate directly to Sams GofundMe at this link

Get tickets

Arts Focus: Theatre on the Run hosts tribute to Arlington’s trailblazing women musicians

By Sponsor

This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.

South Arlington’s neighborhoods were undoubtedly fertile ground for women musicians of color. The area was home to both the legendary vocalist and pianist Roberta Flack as well as the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, an all-female, multi-ethnic big band that toured to national acclaim in the 1930’s and 40’s. Now, two contemporary women musicians uplift the legacies of these Arlington legends with a weekend showcase at Theatre on the Run, at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, in Arlington.

1/3

The world premiere of Suite for Sweethearts by Amy K Bormet takes place on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 (shows at 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.). The following evening hear Killing Me Softly: A Love Letter to Roberta Flack by vocalist Munit Mesfin and the First Take Band on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 (shows at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.). Reservations for this FREE event are available on Eventbrite.

Additionally, Bormet and Mesfin will each offer youth-oriented presentations at the same location on Sunday, Oct. 5. Bringing Flack’s children’s book, The Green Piano to life via an interactive performance, Munit and z Lovebugs Celebrate Roberta, Music and You! occurs at 11:00 a.m. Amy K Bormet offers an improvisation workshop for all experience levels (Age 14+) at 2:00 p.m. Bormet also offers a free Open Rehearsal, Wednesday Oct. 1 (8:00 – 10:00 p.m.). (more…)

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: September 24, 2025

By Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

As of September 22, there are 215 detached homes, 55 townhouses and 235 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 39 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

1610 N Queen Street

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

Amazon’s HQ2 is turning two! You’re invited to celebrate at Amazon’s Annual Community Day on September 27

By Sponsor
Amazon Annual Community Day

Amazon Community Day is back, bolder and bigger than ever, with brand-new experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Join us on Saturday, September 27th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Met Park in National Landing for a day of free, family-friendly fun.

New this year, explore Amazon Alley, a pop-up market featuring local DMV entrepreneurs, and the Think Big Experience, a mini STEM fest with live experiments by The Science Guys of Baltimore, robotics demos and hands-on tech fun.

Embark on a culinary scavenger hunt to sample discounted bites from Met Park favorites like South Block, Good Company, Mae’s Market and Toby’s Ice Cream, and visit over 50 vendors at the EatLoco Farmers Market. Then, relax in the Boozy Brunch Garden, featuring local craft beers and brunch-ready drinks. Get creative with interactive art walls, chalk art and live screen printing, or enjoy classic lawn games. Little ones can enjoy the community Lego wall, face painting, glitter tattoos and a mesmerizing bubble show. You’ll also find a community library book swap, Instagrammable moments throughout the park, and plenty more surprises around every corner!

For more information and to RSVP, visit our Eventbrite page. We look forward to seeing you there!

Click here for more details!

Ask Eli: Expect a slower housing market through year’s end

By Eli Tucker

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Question: What market conditions do you expect through the rest of the year?

Answer: One of the best ways to use data in real estate is studying seasonal trends to understand expected market conditions during different times of the year, to maximize the results of your sale or purchase. Market activity, specifically the volume of listings coming to market and the speed at which homes go under contract, follows a predictable pattern.

This time of year, in the DMV, we can expect a post-Labor Day pop in listing activity and increase in the speed homes go under contract, followed by a sharp and continuous drop in both metrics, through the end of the year. Activity picks up once the calendar turns.

Expect Listing Activity to Drop Sharply Now to Year’s End

Only 18% of homes get listed for sale October-December, compared to 33.1% from March-May. The number of homes listed in the three months from March-May is almost the same amount listed in the five months from October-February.

If you have difficult criteria to meet, it might take a while to see a home for sale that works for you, especially after Halloween.

A graph with numbers and a line AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Homes Will Take Longer to Go Under Contract Through Year’s End

It isn’t just the supply side of the market that slows down in Q4, the speed at which homes go under contract will drop sharply from now through the end of the year, too.

While you may have more time to make offer decisions in Q4, don’t get too comfortable, more than 1/3 of homes go under contract within the first ten days on market and nearly 2/3 go under contract within thirty days.

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

Schedule a meeting

All Aboard Penrose: historic Hunter Station for sale

By Carolanne Korolowicz

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Carolanne Korolowicz

Every Arlingtonian knows the slog down 395, the bumper to bumper on Route 50, and the jam on 66, but we should consider ourselves lucky to live in a time with a fairly efficient and well-oiled commuter system. The county had a long history of various modes of transportation before the automobile and bus systems of today.

At the beginning of the 19th century, citizens journeying to Richmond would endure a 38-hour trip by horsedrawn coaches. By 1815, this was dramatically reduced down to 24 hours thanks to an overnight steamboat running from Aquia Creek to the Federal City. Twenty years later, a rail line from Fredericksburg to Potomac Creek was chartered— at a lightning speed of 10 miles per hour! Rail lines began popping up around the greater D.C. area making for quicker travel for both freight and passengers.

A Washington-Virginia Railway Company trolley on the Nauck Line (circa 1909).Photo Courtesy of the Penrose Neighborhood Association

One of the biggest impacts on Arlington’s development was the creation of a passenger trolley line. Starting in 1896, The first trolley line went from Rosslyn to Fort Myer. Like transportation years before, the first trolley car was literally horse-powered. The horse would pull the car up the hill and then would coast down on the back platform. Later on, motor-powered cars came into play, and the Rosslyn trolley connected with multiple new lines, which created the blueprint for many of the major roads we drive today, including Washington Blvd. and Fairfax Drive.

The trolley helped turn rural areas into the start of suburban neighborhoods. By the turn of the century, the Historic Penrose Neighborhood grew into a thriving working-class neighborhood thanks to it becoming the epicenter of commuter line connections. Hunter Station, positioned on the corner of 2nd St. and S. Wayne St., was where the trolley line would meet the Washington-Virginia line, a direct connection to the city. The trolley lines, unfortunately, went out of business by 1939 when automobile and bus travel became more prevalent.

Hunter Station, Courtesy of Megan McMorrow, Long & Foster

After the fall of the rail system, Hunter Station became a private residence. The property’s current owners purchased the property in 1977. Over 45 years later, the residents are now selling the property to a new “conductor”. Listed by Long & Foster, this over 2,500 square-foot property is currently listed for $899,000. If owning an unconventional home, or a home considered a landmark by neighbors, is of interest, you won’t find too many other opportunities within county lines.

Penrose has a rich history that its citizens take pride in. The trolley has become the community symbol and can be found on the neighborhood identification signs. The Mr. Rogers-esque charm of a neighborhood trolley isn’t the only remarkable trait of this South Arlington enclave. The Penrose Neighborhood Association has traced their history all the way back to 1649. From English settlers, Civil War battles, the establishment of Freeman Villages, to 20th century telecommunications — Penrose has a story.

Other Current Listings in The Historic Penrose Neighborhood:

  • 304 S. Veitch Street
    2 Bed/2 Bath, $685,000
    Presented by Sean Judge, Real Broker LLC
  • 507 S. Adams Street
    5 Beds/5.5 Bath, $2,250,000
    Presented by Kristen Schifano & Lindsay Stuckey, RLAH @properties
  • 2028 6th Street S.
    2 Bed/3 Bath, $605,000
    Presented by Beate Whitesell, Wilkinson PM LLC

Does your Arlington home have a story? I would love to highlight it! Please email me at [email protected]

Listing of the Day: 2008 N Nelson Street

By ARLnow.com
1/7

Address: 2008 N Nelson Street
Neighborhood: Cherrydale
Type: 5 BR, 5 (+1 half) BA semi-detached – 3902 sq. ft.
Listed: $1,799,000

Noteworthy: Built by Enhanced Homes in the heart of Cherrydale

Welcome to 2008 N Nelson Street, a newly built semi-detached home offering 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and 3,900 finished square feet across three thoughtfully designed levels. The main floor blends style and everyday convenience. Wide-plank oak hardwoods set the tone, while the gourmet kitchen boasts custom cabinetry, premium appliances, a large center island with seating for four, and a walk-in pantry for plenty of storage. Just off the kitchen, a mudroom connects directly to the attached one-car garage, making daily comings and goings seamless. The open dining area flows into a bright family room, and a screened rear porch provides year-round outdoor living space.

Upstairs, the vaulted primary suite includes a spacious walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and an oversized glass shower. Three additional bedrooms , each with access to a private or shared bath, plus a convenient laundry room complete the upper level. The finished lower level offers flexible living with a large recreation room, full wet bar with beverage fridge and storage, and a fifth bedroom with en-suite full bath, ideal for guests, an au pair, or extended stays. Set on a 5,300 sq ft fenced lot, the backyard provides ample space for entertaining or play. A rare opportunity to own new construction in one of Arlington’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Listed by:
Aaron Probasco – Samson Properties
[email protected]
(703) 946-4652

Biz Talk: Arlington Innovation Fund companies scale fast in security, safety, and logistics

By Business Investment Group

This article is sponsored by the Business Investment Group of Arlington Economic Development.

When Arlington Economic Development (AED) launched its $1 million Arlington Innovation Fund (AIF) in 2023, the goal was to accelerate high-growth startups in critical sectors. A year later, the results are coming into focus. As Technical.ly recently reported, AIF is part of Arlington’s broader strategy to cement its position as a hub for tech entrepreneurs. Now, grantees like Phalanx, KnoNap and GenLogs are showing how that strategy translates into traction.

Cybersecurity startup Phalanx has built momentum around SendTurtle, its secure file-tracking tool. “We recently passed 4,000 users on SendTurtle, which shows people when their documents are opened, what pages are viewed and what actions they should take next,” Ian Garrett, CEO and co-founder of Phalanx said. Phalanx also points to Arlington’s innovation ecosystem as a key driver: “Being part of the Arlington tech ecosystem has given Phalanx access to a community of mission-driven founders, early adopters and strategic partners who prioritize innovation and security.”

For KnoNap, a female-founded safety tech company combating drink spiking, the Arlington ecosystem offers both resources and influence. “The region’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation and entrepreneurship has provided us with the resources and community support needed to scale confidently,” Danya Sherman, founder and president of KnoNap shared. Additionally, proximity to Washington, D.C. keeps the team plugged into conversations on equity, innovation and regulation that directly impact its mission.

KnoNap’s milestones since receiving a Catalyst Grant include joining the Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship, expanding its operations, and advising Pernod Ricard’s CSR team on responsible marketing and sustainability. “We’re proud to represent Arlington as a female-founded company making waves in both the tech and nighttime industries,” Sherman said.

Meanwhile, GenLogs, which builds logistics intelligence software, is scaling rapidly. In just its first year on the market, the startup grew from zero to more than 70 customers and projects 12 times its previously reported revenue growth in 2025. Additionally, the company’s total headcount has surged from three co-founders to 60 employees in under two years, with expansion into law enforcement use cases.

“Being headquartered in Arlington means having access to some of the best talent in the world,” said Ryan Joyce, CEO of GenLogs. “It also affords immediate access to the nation’s capital — which is critical for any company touching the public sector.” One high-impact example: GenLogs’ platform recently provided the tools police needed to rescue a minor from a truck involved in sex trafficking.

The Arlington Innovation Fund was built to fuel exactly these outcomes — startups scaling with purpose to drive economic resilience. AED is now extending this impact through the AIF Ecosystem Support Fund, which invests in local programming to strengthen the regional startup community and elevate Arlington’s profile as a nationally recognized tech hub. If you’re developing an event or resource that supports the innovation ecosystem — or want to learn more about AIF — we’d love to connect.

Just Reduced Properties in Arlington: September 17, 2025

By Sponsor

Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!

Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.

As of September 15, there are 197 detached homes, 54 townhouses and 225 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 40 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:

3909 30th Street N

Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.

Ask Eli: Six tips for selling to a builder

By Eli Tucker

This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at [email protected].

Question: I’m planning to sell my home to a builder to be torn down, do you have any advice?

Answer: For many homeowners with older, smaller homes in expensive markets, selling to a builder is the easy and most profitable option when you’re ready to move. If you live in a home like this, you probably get hundreds of calls and letter from builders, investors, and real estate agents offering to buy your home as-is.

Here are six tips if you’re considering this option…

A brick house with a chimney Description automatically generated with low confidence

1. Don’t Overvalue Cash

The idea of somebody paying cash for your home sounds exciting and more reliable than somebody getting funds from a bank. “They pay cash” is one of the most common reasons I hear from homeowners explaining why they prefer selling to a builder.

The truth is that many builders don’t buy homes with a mountain of cash they have sitting around; they rely on strong banking relationships to finance their purchase with cash-like deals (the money is available quickly and easily).

The real value of cash is that a buyer can close quickly and does not require any bank approval, but a cash-like deal from a well-qualified buyer working with a great bank can often mirror this by removing any finance or appraisal contingency and closing as fast as the bank will allow (many can close in 2-3 weeks).

The contingency (or study period) structure and Earnest Money Deposit terms are more important than the funding source being a buyer’s private cash balance vs a trusted bank/lender. I would also argue that it’s more likely that an individual or builder cash-buyer will run into a cash crunch prior to closing than an established bank/lender.

2. Your Home May be Worth More to a Homeowner

It’s no secret how hard it is to find entry level homes these days. You may think that your current home with a small kitchen, old roof, and unfinished basement is only worth the land it sits on, but buyers are hurting for inexpensive homes, even if they need loads of improvements. Don’t assume that just because your home is small and dated that a builder is your only option.

Make sure you’re comparing builder offers to what you can get on the open market, taking into consideration other financial (e.g. differences in commission) and non-financial (e.g. timeline and showings) differences between the two routes. There may be little downside to testing the open market before committing to a builder, depending on your situation.

Your community will also appreciate your contribution to preserving the local tree canopy!

3. Builders Can Offer Attractive Rent-Backs

A rent-back means that you can live in your home after closing (aka after getting paid) for a specified period, usually for little or no cost, for months after a sale. For many sellers, this extra time is perfect for searching for your next home or apartment, with cash in-hand, or taking time to clear out decades of personal belongings.

A normal buyer can also offer a rent-back, and are often happy to, but if a home is being purchased using a mortgage for a primary residence, the buyer cannot offer a rent-back over two months. A builder, even if the funding comes from a bank, or cash buyer has no restriction on the length of rent-back. It’s well within reason to negotiate 3-4+ months of free or low-cost rent-back from a builder after closing.

4. Share in the Builder’s Profits

Jealous of the profit a builder will generate from building a new home on your lot? Rather than selling your home to a builder, consider negotiating an equity stake in the project and getting paid based on the sale of the new home. It’ll most likely take 16+ months longer to be paid and there’s more risk, but you can make a lot more than you would selling your existing home.

5. Delayed Settlements Can be Very Profitable

Most sellers want their proceeds as quickly as possible, but that may be costing them tens of thousands of dollars they could earn by agreeing to delay closing 4-6+ months (after going under contract). It takes at least 4-6 months for builders to get County-approved plans and start work and if a builder can avoid carrying the property during that time, the value of the deal goes up because their costs go down. So plan early to maximize the return on your home sale.

A picture containing building, outdoor, wooden, old Description automatically generated

6. Realtor Representation Can Be a Net Benefit

A direct sale without agents/commissions is one of the primary selling points builders offer and it’s certainly a good one, but representation and commissions come in many shapes and sizes that sellers can benefit from when selling to a builder. Benefits range from understanding how to measure the value/risk of contract terms like a study period or deposit, knowing what to negotiate for based on your needs/preferences, or effectively soliciting more bids to ensure you’re getting the best price.

Even though working directly with a builder can be simple, it’s important to remember that a builder’s core business is acquiring lots with favorable terms/prices, which runs counter to your best interests.

If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

We have access to the most pre and off-market listings across the DMV of any brokerage and are happy to share what’s available with anybody who asks.

Below are some of our team’s pre/off-market listings, details and additional listings available by request:

  • Rosslyn 2BR/2BA/1,100 sqft – condo (2008) – 1800 Wilson Blvd Arlington VA 22201
  • Rosslyn 2BR+den/2.5BA/2,000 sqft – condo (2021) – 1781 N Pierce St Arlington VA 22209
  • Ballston – 4BR/3.5BA+office/4,000 sqft – Four Townhouses (2026/2027) – 11th St N Arlington VA 22201
  • Falls Church City – 4BR/4.5BA/3,000+ sqft – End-unit townhouse (1995) – Rees Pl Falls Church VA 22046
  • Rosslyn – 2BR+den/2.5BA/2,000+ sqft – Condo (2021) – 1781 N Pierce St Arlington VA 22209
  • Highland Park/Overlee Knolls – 6BR/5.5BA/5,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2025) – 22nd Rd N Arlington VA 22205

Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.

Schedule a meeting

Arlington’s best homes for dog lovers

By Val Connolly

This recurring Real Estate feature is sponsored by The Eli Residential Team. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service. This week’s post is written by Val Connolly

Arlington’s Best Homes for Dog Lovers

If you’re anything like me, your dog isn’t just a pet, they’re family. From morning walks to planning weekend outings, our pets shape so much of our daily lives, including where we choose to live. It’s no wonder a Realtor.com survey found that more than 70% of pet owners would pass on a home if it didn’t fit their pet’s needs. I see it all the time—many of my clients admit they’re really house-hunting “for the dog.”

What to Look For in a Dog-Friendly Home

When searching for the perfect Arlington spot with your dog in mind, keep these must-haves at the top of your list:

  • Proximity to dog parks and trails—daily walks are non-negotiable
  • Condo pet policies—size, breed, and number limits can vary widely
  • Outdoor space like balconies, patios, or shared dog runs
  • Durable finishes that can stand up to muddy paws and wagging tails

Here are some of my favorite Arlington condos that welcome dogs:

1/7

A few local favorite dog parks:

  • Shirlington Dog Park – a massive community favorite along the creek
  • James Hunter Dog Park (Clarendon) – perfect for condo dwellers nearby
  • Glencarlyn Park – shady trails with water access
  • Towers Park – complete with separate areas for large and small dogs
  • Fort Barnard & Utah Park – cozy neighborhood gems

Homes for sale near dog parks:

1/6

Give Back: Support Local Rescues

Living in a dog-friendly community is also about giving back. Arlington is fortunate to have excellent rescue organizations, including:

If you’ve been thinking about adding a pet to your family—or simply want to help—consider adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating. Every effort makes a difference and helps another pup find their forever home.

Arlington offers plenty of options for dog owners, from pet-friendly condos to neighborhoods with easy access to parks and trails. If you’re considering a move and want to explore the best homes for you and your pup, I’d be glad to help. Feel free to reach out to Val Connolly anytime.

Statutes of Liberty: USCIS will no longer accept checks or money orders

By James Montana

This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Janice Chen, Esq., and Taryn Druge, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.

Our immigration system is, in the main, funded by immigrants rather than tax dollars. Nearly 90% of immigration benefits applications – green card applications, work permit applications, the new asylum application, H-1B petitions, you name it – come with checks or money orders attached. Soon – on October 28, 2025 – that venerable system will come to an end. Inevitably, many people will miss the memo, and enormous numbers of applications will be returned to sender. The purpose of this sponsored post is to diminish that number slightly, and to offer a guide on how to make payments using the new system.

Method 1: ACH Transaction Using Form G-1650

The first method for paying via bank transfer, using Form G-1650. To do this, you have to hold a bank account – either checking or savings – at a U.S. bank. You have to provide the routing and account numbers for that bank account, and you have to sign a piece of paper authorizing the transfer of a specified sum of money. (If those elements sound familiar to you, that’s because they are the key characteristics of a check.) Use a computer to complete the form, print it, sign it, and attach it to your benefits application.

Interestingly, USCIS notes that you may need to contact your bank to permit USDHS to debit funds by ACH, and so it would be wise to speak to your bank to ensure that the Agency Location Codes – at this date, 7001010330, 7001010331, 7001010335, and 7001010390 – are authorized for debits.

Method 2: Credit Card Authorization Using Form G-1450

The second method is to authorize a credit card payment using Form G-1450. To do this, you have to have a working credit card, debit card, or prepaid debit card. Use a computer to complete the form, print it, sign it, and attach it to the benefits application.

USCIS currently notes that it only accepts credit card payments for payments to the USCIS Service Centers or USCIS Lockboxes. Currently, those two types of offices accept the overwhelming majority of payments, but some payments are made directly to the USCIS Field Offices – e.g., applications for emergency advance parole. It is unclear how those payments will be handled, but the current Policy Manual states that either a check or Form G-1450 will be acceptable.

Method 3: Request a Waiver Using Form G-1651

The third (and somewhat questionable) method is to attach a check or money order made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” and request a waiver of the electronic payment requirement via Form G-1651. We can’t provide you with a copy of that form. USCIS promised to provide it by August 29, 2025, but they haven’t done so. USCIS says that these will be the acceptable categories for an exemption:

  • Individuals who do not have access to banking services or electronic payment systems;
  • Electronic disbursement would cause undue hardship, as contemplated in 31 CFR Part 208;
  • National security or law enforcement related activities where non-EFT transactions are necessary or desirable; and
  • Other circumstances as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, as reflected in regulations or other guidance.

Whether these exemptions are real or not will depend on the bureaucratic apparatus. The biggest category by far is individuals who do not have access to banking services or electronic payment systems, which includes many immigrants. (Without a social security number, it is difficult to open a bank account.) USCIS may allow such applicants to pay via check or money order, attaching a Form G-1651; or USCIS may argue that the availability of prepaid debit cards over the counter means that everyone has effective access to electronic payment systems.

Our view is that this change is likely to make it harder for many people to apply for benefits on their own. Of course, as lawyers, we think it’s generally advisable to engage counsel to represent you before USCIS. We will have no trouble adapting to the new payment system. But this is just another little layer of complexity which will make an already complex system even more challenging for ordinary people to navigate – and, as such, we think it’s an unwelcome change.

View More Stories