What responsibilities does a sponsor have when filing an Affidavit of Support for a family member immigrating to the United States?

When a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident sponsors a relative for immigration, they are usually required to submit Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. This document is a legally binding agreement in which the sponsor promises to maintain the intending immigrant at a certain income level, generally at least 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The purpose is to ensure that the immigrant will not become dependent on public assistance programs after entering the United States.

The sponsor’s financial responsibility does not end immediately after the immigrant receives a green card. Instead, it generally continues until the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns forty quarters of qualifying work in the United States, permanently leaves the country, or passes away. Because this obligation can last many years, sponsors should carefully consider the commitment before signing the Affidavit of Support. USCIS and the Department of State take this requirement seriously as part of the immigration process.