When Do Affidavit of Support Obligations Begin?

An Affidavit of Support is a legally enforceable contract. The support obligations generally begin when the sponsored immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident based on an application that included the affidavit.

Signing or submitting Form I-864 does not, by itself, start those support obligations. Approval of the underlying immigration petition also does not establish permanent residence.

The Starting Point Depends on the Immigration Process

• Consular processing: The obligations begin when U.S. Customs and Border Protection admits the person to the United States as an immigrant. A consular officer’s issuance of an immigrant visa does not itself grant permanent resident status. See our Consular Processing page.
• Adjustment of status: The obligations begin when USCIS—or an immigration judge with jurisdiction—grants adjustment to permanent resident status. See our Adjustment of Status page.

The governing rule appears in 8 CFR § 213a.2(e)(1). Receiving the physical green card later does not postpone the start of the obligations.

For example, if an immigrant visa is issued in October but the person is admitted as an immigrant in November, the support obligation begins with the November admission.

Does Conditional Permanent Residence Count?

Yes. When sponsorship is required, the obligations begin upon admission or adjustment as a conditional permanent resident. They do not wait until USCIS removes the conditions or issues a ten-year green card.

Conditional residence is already permanent resident status, although additional requirements apply to removing the conditions.

Which Signers Are Covered?

The commencement rule applies to the petitioning sponsor, a substitute sponsor, a joint sponsor, and a participating household member who signed Form I-864A.

A specific exception applies to unnecessary financial sponsorship. A joint sponsor or household member is not bound if the deciding officer or immigration judge expressly finds that the sponsor’s or substitute sponsor’s own household income is sufficient. A later increase in income, or a signer’s belief that their assistance was unnecessary, does not establish that exception. The finding must be included in the decision.

For the differences between these roles, see our Affidavit of Support overview.

When Must a Sponsor Report an Address Change?

Once the sponsorship obligation is in effect, a petitioning sponsor, substitute sponsor, or joint sponsor must report a change of address to USCIS within 30 days, using Form I-865, Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address.

A household member does not become subject to this sponsor-specific reporting requirement solely by signing Form I-864A. Separate address-reporting duties may still apply because of the person’s immigration status or pending applications.

See our guide to Form I-865 and sponsor address updates for additional information.

How Does the Starting Date Affect Withdrawal?

Do not assume sponsorship can be freely withdrawn simply because permanent residence has not yet begun. Withdrawal has separate deadlines, including restrictions after an immigrant visa has been issued.

Review our Affidavit of Support withdrawal page before submitting a withdrawal request.

Once the obligations begin, the events that end them are addressed in When Affidavit of Support Obligations Terminate.

Review Your Sponsorship Responsibilities

The Law Offices of Osas Iyamu, LLC can review the signed sponsorship documents, immigration decisions, and admission records to assess whether the obligations have begun and explain the responsibilities that apply.

Schedule an immigration consultation. Call 1-800-974-6480 or 352-237-2403.

This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Immigration laws, policies, and requirements may change, and the appropriate approach depends on your circumstances. Reading this page or contacting our office does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after a written legal services agreement is signed. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice about your situation.

Updated: October 12, 2026.