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Good news

“Fees Were Waived”on your I-539 · Extend or change visa status

USCIS approved a fee waiver for your I-539.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice · here
Biometrics
Review by an officer
Request for evidence (if needed)
Decision

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.
10months
9 to 10 monthsTypical time for a complete I-539. 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-539

USCIS approved a fee waiver for your I-539. Fee waivers for this form are limited to certain groups, such as some humanitarian categories. Your case now goes through normal processing. Watch for the receipt notice and keep the waiver approval letter with it.

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-539?

USCIS approved a fee waiver for your I-539. Fee waivers for this form are limited to certain groups, such as some humanitarian categories. Your case now goes through normal processing. Watch for the receipt notice and keep the waiver approval letter with it.

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-539 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 9 to 10 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-539

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 FiledIntakeCase Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCISReviewCase Was ReopenedReviewCorrespondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing ItReview

Every status of an I-539 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusI-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 Workers

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