July 2, 2025

When Do Sponsor Obligations End Under Form I-864?

For immigrants to the United States, the Form I-864, Affidavit of Support (“Form I-864”), is a critical part of the family-based immigration process. It is a legally enforceable contract in which a sponsor agrees to financially support the intended immigrant, helping ensure that the immigrant does not rely on certain U.S. government benefits after becoming a permanent resident. By signing Form I-864, the sponsor takes on long-term financial responsibility, but this obligation is not indefinite. The U.S. government outlines specific situations under which the sponsor’s duties come to an end.

When Will These Obligations End?

A sponsors obligations under a Form I-864 end when the sponsored immigrant:

Becomes a U.S. citizen;
Has worked, or can receive credit for, 40 quarters of coverage under the Social Security Act;
No longer has lawful permanent resident status and has departed the United States;
Is subject to removal, but applies for and obtains, in removal proceedings, a new grant of adjustment of status, based on a new affidavit of support, if one is required; or
Dies.

A sponsor’s obligations under a Form I-864 also end if the sponsor dies. As such, the sponsor’s estate is not required to take responsibility for the sponsored immigrant following the sponsor’s death.

Divorce does not terminate the responsibility, and if the sponsor dies, their estate may still be liable for any past support owed. A sponsor should be fully aware of these terms before signing Form I-864, as it represents a real and enforceable financial commitment to the U.S. government and the sponsored immigrant.

If you have questions about Form I-864, or other U.S. visa and immigration questions, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com.

ENTERLINE & PARTNERS CONSULTING  

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Office  

146C7 Nguyen Van Huong St, Thao Dien Ward,  
District 2, Thu Duc City  
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam  

Tel: +84 933 301 488  
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com  
Facebook: Enterline & Partners – Dịch vụ Thị thực và Định cư Hoa Kỳ  
YouTube: @EnterlineAndPartnersConsulting  
Website: https://enterlinepartners.com  

Manila, Philippines Office  

LKG Tower 37th Floor 
6801 Ayala Avenue  
Makati City, Philippines 1226  

Tel: +63 917 543 7926  
Email: info@enterlinepartners.com  
Facebook: Enterline and Partners Philippines  
Website: https://enterlinepartners.com/en/home/

Copyright 2025. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline & Partners only. 

Categories: Form I-864, USCIS Form I-864 Affidavit of Support

Tags: Form I-864

David Enterline speaks at IIUSA EB-5 Event in East Asia

What is a Form I-129F? Petition for Alien Fiancé Explained

What Is An Alien Registration Number And What Is It For?

What Does A 214(b) Refusal Mean in U.S. Immigration Law?

our services

contact us today for more information

Latest News

What Is Capital In The RIA?

In the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”), the definition of “Capital” as an investment for EB-5 has been updated. Capital includes cash, as well as any real, personal, or mixed tangible assets that are owned and controlled by the investor and which are invested in, or contributed into, the business. Capital can also be assets held in trust for the investor, provided the investor has unrestricted access to them. This guarantees that the funds are accessible for investment purposes and job creation. Capital must be evaluated using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or other SEC-adopted standard accounting procedures at the time of investment, at fair market value in U.S. dollars. This guarantees uniformity and openness in the investment’s appraisal. The definition of capital excludes several types of assets: However, Capital invested in a business with a buyback option may still qualify if the option can only be

David Enterline speaks at IIUSA EB-5 Event in East Asia

Enterline and Partners Managing Partner David Enterline served as Panel Moderator for the IIUSA 2025 Passport Series: East Asia event held in October this year. He moderated the panel “How to Evaluate and Select the Right EB-5 Project for Investors”. IIUSA is the national membership-based EB-5 industry association for EB-5 Regional Centers and other EB-5 stakeholders and professionals. Its members are responsible for the large majority of capital investment and job creation in the U.S. from foreign nationals investing and immigrating to the U.S. via the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. David has been an active member of IIUSA since 2009. The panel consisted of experienced EB-5 stakeholders including Regional Center representatives, EB-5 lawyers and third-party promoters from various markets. The panelists shared their knowledge, insight and thoughts on key factors when considering an EB-5 project to invest in. If you are considering the EB-5 route to immigrate to the U.S. and

What is a Form I-129F? Petition for Alien Fiancé Explained

A Form I-129F is a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) filed through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The form can only be filed by a U.S. citizen ages twenty-one (21) and above. Non-US citizens including lawful permanent residents are not able to petition a foreign fiancé(e). Form I-129F Requirements Before a U.S. citizen can file for his or her foreign fiance, they must have accomplished the following: How Much is the Form I-129F Petition Filing Fee? The current filing fee for a Form I-129F Petition is US$675. This fee is payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with a credit card by using a Form G-1450 or ACH transitions with a Form G-1650. When is the Best Time to Submit a Form I-129F Petition? A Form I-129F Petition can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Once the petition is received by USCIS, it will be

When Do Sponsor Obligations End Under Form I-864?

CATEGORY

contact us today for more information

Latest News