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“Fees Were Waived”on your I-130 · Petition for a family member

This is unusual for an I-130, which normally requires the filing fee and is generally not eligible for a fee waiver.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice · here
Review by an officer
Request for evidence (if needed)
Decision
Case sent to the National Visa Center or consulate (if abroad)

What to do, in 3 steps

Keep the notice that shows the fee was waived.
Wait for the receipt notice and next steps.
Keep your address current.
34months
25 to 34 monthsTypical time for a complete I-130. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThe next update usually comes within weeks to months, depending on the form.

What it means for your I-130

This is unusual for an I-130, which normally requires the filing fee and is generally not eligible for a fee waiver. Read the notice carefully to see which form the waiver applies to; it may belong to another application filed in the same package. If it is unclear, contact USCIS.

In general, on any form:

USCIS approved your request to waive the filing fee. You do not have to pay the fee for this case. Your case now moves on like any other filing. The fee waiver does not decide the case itself.

Avoid these mistakes

Thinking the fee waiver means the case is approved.
Sending a payment anyway.

Quick questions

What does "Fees Were Waived" mean on an I-130?

This is unusual for an I-130, which normally requires the filing fee and is generally not eligible for a fee waiver. Read the notice carefully to see which form the waiver applies to; it may belong to another application filed in the same package. If it is unclear, contact USCIS.

Does 'Fees Were Waived' mean my case is approved?

No. It only means you do not have to pay the fee.

Who can get a fee waiver?

Eligibility depends on the form and on income or hardship rules set by USCIS.

Do I need to do anything now?

No. Wait for the next update on your case.

How long does an I-130 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 25 to 34 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-130

Case Was ReceivedIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntakeCase Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntakeCase Was Rejected Because It Was Improperly FiledIntakeFingerprint Fee Was ReceivedBiometricsFingerprint Review Was CompletedBiometricsBiometrics Appointment Was ScheduledBiometrics

Every status of an I-130 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusI-765Work permit (EAD)Application for Employment AuthorizationN-400Become a U.S. citizenApplication for NaturalizationI-131Travel permit or reentry permitApplication for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure RecordsI-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceI-90Renew or replace green cardApplication to Replace Permanent Resident CardI-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-140Employment-based green card petitionImmigrant Petition for Alien WorkersI-821DDACA request or renewalConsideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.