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Good news

“Fees Were Waived”on your I-485 · Green card from inside the U.S.

A fee waiver for an I-485 is only available in certain categories, such as some humanitarian cases.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice · here
Biometrics appointment
Interview (often)
Decision
Green card produced and mailed

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.
24months
16 to 24 monthsTypical time for a complete I-485. 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-485

A fee waiver for an I-485 is only available in certain categories, such as some humanitarian cases. Since yours was approved, your green card application moves on without payment. Keep the approval of the waiver with your records; it does not change the rest of the process.

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-485?

A fee waiver for an I-485 is only available in certain categories, such as some humanitarian cases. Since yours was approved, your green card application moves on without payment. Keep the approval of the waiver with your records; it does not change the rest of the process.

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-485 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 16 to 24 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-485

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-485 →

This same status on other forms

I-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien RelativeI-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.