When Do Affidavit of Support Obligations End?

Form I-864 creates enforceable sponsorship responsibilities that can continue for many years. Once those obligations take effect, they do not end simply because the sponsor wants to stop providing support. For the starting point, see When Do Affidavit of Support Obligations Begin?.

What Events End the Sponsorship Obligations?

Under 8 CFR § 213a.2(e)(2), the obligations end when the sponsored immigrant:

1. Becomes a U.S. citizen.
2. Works or can be credited with 40 qualifying quarters under Social Security rules, subject to the restrictions explained below.
3. Ceases to be a lawful permanent resident and departs the United States. A temporary trip abroad does not satisfy this rule.
4. Receives a new grant of adjustment of status as relief from removal. Being placed in removal proceedings is not enough. If the new adjustment requires an affidavit of support, responsibility attaches to the sponsors and household members signing for that new application.
5. Dies.

These events end the support obligations of the sponsor, substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, and participating Form I-864A household members. They also end the sponsors’ associated address-reporting requirement.

Does Sponsorship Automatically End After Ten Years?

No. Forty qualifying quarters do not simply mean that ten years have passed since Green Card approval.

Under INA § 213A(a)(3), the calculation may include:

• Qualifying quarters from the immigrant’s own work.
• Qualifying quarters worked by a parent while the immigrant was under 18.
• Qualifying quarters worked by a spouse during the marriage, provided the immigrant remains married to that spouse or the spouse has died.

For quarters beginning after December 31, 1996, a quarter cannot count if the immigrant received a federal means-tested public benefit during that quarter. When crediting a parent’s or spouse’s quarters, that person’s receipt of such federal means-tested public benefits during the quarter can also prevent the credit.

The calculation should be supported by Social Security earnings records and, where applicable, evidence of the qualifying relationship and benefit history. The number of years since immigration, standing alone, does not establish termination.

What Happens If a Sponsor or Household Member Dies?

A sponsor’s death ends that sponsor’s future support obligation. The estate does not take over responsibility for supporting the immigrant after the sponsor’s death. The Form I-864 contract expressly addresses this distinction.

The same termination principle applies when a substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or Form I-864A household member dies. One person’s death does not release the other sponsors or household members from their obligations.

If the petitioner dies before the immigrant becomes a permanent resident, the case raises different questions about continued eligibility and financial sponsorship. See Substitute Sponsor After a Petitioner’s Death.

Does Termination Erase Earlier Reimbursement Obligations?

No. 8 CFR § 213a.2(e)(3) preserves reimbursement obligations that arose before termination, including obligations enforceable against a deceased signer’s estate.

For an explanation of support claims, reimbursement demands, and court remedies, see Affidavit of Support Enforcement.

Does Divorce or Green Card Expiration End Sponsorship?

Divorce does not terminate Form I-864 obligations. The sponsorship contract continues unless a qualifying termination event occurs.

Expiration or renewal of a ten-year Green Card does not, by itself, end sponsorship. The card documents permanent resident status; its expiration is different from losing that status.

For questions about withdrawing sponsorship before permanent residence is granted, see Withdrawal of an Affidavit of Support: Timing and Limits.

Need Help Determining Whether Sponsorship Has Ended?

We can review the sponsorship documents, immigration history, and evidence of a claimed termination event to help you understand your responsibilities.

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.