"Fees Were Waived" on your I-800: what it means and what's next

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.

7months

4 to 7 monthsTypical time for a complete I-800. 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-800

USCIS shows no fee for your I-800. This is common when it is the first petition filed under a valid I-800A approval, or for a birth sibling. Your case now moves into normal review. Keep the notice in your adoption file.

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-800?

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-800 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 4 to 7 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your I-800

Case Was ReceivedIntake Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntake Case Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntake Case Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntake Case Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntake Case Was Rejected Because It Was Improperly FiledIntake Fingerprint Fee Was ReceivedBiometrics Fingerprint Review Was CompletedBiometrics Biometrics Appointment Was ScheduledBiometrics

Every status of an I-800 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status I-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien Relative I-765Work permit (EAD)Application for Employment Authorization N-400Become a U.S. citizenApplication for Naturalization I-131Travel permit or reentry permitApplication for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records I-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on Residence I-90Renew or replace green cardApplication to Replace Permanent Resident Card I-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.

“Fees Were Waived”on your I-800 · Hague adoption petition for a child