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:
| Event | Does the I-864 Obligation End? |
| Sponsored immigrant naturalizes as a U.S. citizen | Yes – ends |
| Sponsored immigrant accumulates 40 qualifying Social Security quarters | Yes – ends |
| Sponsored immigrant permanently departs the U.S. and abandons LPR status | Yes – ends |
| Sponsored immigrant removed but re-admitted as LPR under a new I-864 | Yes – prior I-864 ends |
| Sponsored immigrant dies | Yes – ends |
| Sponsor dies | Yes – future obligations end |
| Divorce or separation | No – obligation continues |
| Sponsored immigrant becomes self-sufficient | No automatic termination |
| Sponsor no longer wants to be responsible | No – cannot unilaterally withdraw |
| Sponsored immigrant remarries | No |
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Form I-864 sponsor obligation end?
The I-864 obligation ends when one of 5 events occurs: the sponsored immigrant (A) naturalizes as a U.S. citizen, (B) accumulates 40 qualifying Social Security quarters, (C) permanently departs the U.S. and abandons lawful permanent resident status, (D) is removed but re-admitted as an LPR under a new I-864, or (E) dies. The obligation also ends for future obligations if the sponsor dies.
Does divorce end the I-864 sponsor obligation?
No. This is the most common misconception about Form I-864. Divorce does not terminate the financial support obligation. The sponsor remains legally responsible to the sponsored immigrant even after divorce until one of the 5 terminating conditions is met. The sponsored immigrant can sue the former sponsor in court to enforce financial support.
How many years of work are needed to accumulate 40 Social Security quarters and end the I-864 obligation?
40 qualifying quarters is equivalent to approximately 10 years of qualifying work contributing to the U.S. Social Security system. The quarters do not need to be consecutive – they can be accumulated over multiple periods of employment. Some quarters may also be credited based on the work history of the sponsored immigrant’s spouse or parent.
If the sponsored immigrant has stable income, does the I-864 obligation end?
Not automatically. The sponsored immigrant having employment and stable income does not terminate the I-864 obligation. Only accumulating 40 qualifying Social Security quarters or meeting one of the other terminating conditions (naturalization, permanent departure, etc.) ends the obligation.
Can a sponsor withdraw from the I-864 commitment after signing?
No. Form I-864 is a legally binding contract. Once the sponsored immigrant has been admitted to the United States based on that I-864, the sponsor cannot unilaterally withdraw the commitment. This is one of the most important reasons sponsors must fully understand the long-term nature of the I-864 obligation before signing.
If you have questions about Form I-864, or other U.S. visa and immigration questions, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com.
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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.
