Withdrawal of an Affidavit of Support: Timing and Limits

A sponsor’s ability to withdraw an Affidavit of Support depends on the stage of the immigration case. Different rules apply before immigrant visa issuance, while adjustment of status is pending, and after permanent residence begins.

These rules concern financial sponsorship through Form I-864 or I-864EZ and a household member’s participation through Form I-864A.

Before an Immigrant Visa Is Issued

A sponsor, substitute sponsor, joint sponsor, or participating household member may withdraw their financial sponsorship by submitting written notice to the appropriate Department of State officer before the immigrant visa is actually issued.

Confirm whether the case remains at the National Visa Center or has moved to a U.S. embassy or consulate. See our Consular Processing page for the broader process.

After Visa Issuance: A Limited Exception

After an immigrant visa has been issued, withdrawal requires the visa petitioner to withdraw the underlying petition in writing under the applicable rules and notify the Department of State officer who issued the visa.

For family-based petitions, the relevant petition-withdrawal rule generally requires action before the immigrant’s journey to the United States begins. A joint sponsor cannot independently withdraw someone else’s visa petition. Obtain prompt legal review if a visa has already been issued.

While Adjustment of Status Is Pending

For an Adjustment of Status case, written withdrawal must be submitted to the immigration officer or immigration judge handling the case before the decision on the adjustment application.

The governing deadlines appear in 8 CFR § 213a.2(f).

After Permanent Residence Begins

A sponsor cannot end an existing support obligation simply by sending a withdrawal letter or asking to cancel the underlying petition after permanent residence has been granted. Such a request does not itself cancel the immigrant’s green card.

For the events that legally end sponsorship, see when Affidavit of Support obligations terminate.

Preparing a Withdrawal Request

Before submitting a request, review the signed sponsorship documents, the case’s current location, and any visa or adjustment decision.

A clear request should identify:

• The person withdrawing and their role in the case.
• The immigrant or immigrants affected.
• The specific affidavit or household-member contract being withdrawn.
• The relevant USCIS receipt number, NVC case number, or other case identifier.
• An unambiguous statement of withdrawal, with the signer’s signature, date, and contact information.

Keep a complete copy and proof of submission or delivery. Request confirmation that the notice has been associated with the correct case.

If the petitioner also intends to withdraw the underlying visa petition, that action should be expressly identified. The Department of State provides instructions for withdrawing a petition through NVC, including a signed statement explaining the request.

How Withdrawal May Affect the Immigration Case

If withdrawal leaves the applicant without the required financial sponsorship, the immigrant visa cannot be issued or the adjustment-of-status application approved. The applicant must first provide sufficient qualifying sponsorship or establish that an exemption applies.

The consequences depend partly on who withdraws. Another qualifying joint sponsor may sometimes replace a withdrawing joint sponsor before the case is completed. However, a joint sponsor generally cannot replace the petitioning sponsor’s own required affidavit. Our Joint Sponsor page explains these separate responsibilities.

Review Your Sponsorship Responsibilities

The Law Offices of Osas Iyamu, LLC can review the case stage, identify the applicable withdrawal requirements, and explain the potential consequences before a request is submitted.

For a consultation, gather copies of the signed affidavit, petition and application notices, NVC or consular correspondence, and any visa or permanent-residence approval.

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 11, 2026.