Travel & Citizenship

Affidavit of Support (Form I-864): What Sponsors Agree To

2 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. When does the responsibility end?
  3. New edition: what changed in 2026
  4. Common mistakes
  5. FAQ
    1. Who must submit it?
  6. Key takeaways
  7. Related guides
  8. Sources

The Form I-864 Affidavit of Support is one of the most serious documents in a family or employment-based green card case. Signing it is not a formality. This guide explains what it is and what the sponsor agrees to, based on USCIS information.

Quick answer

  • Form I-864 is a contract in which an individual agrees to use their financial resources to support the intending immigrant.
  • It is a legally enforceable contract.
  • The sponsor is usually the petitioner who filed the immigrant petition.
  • The responsibility usually lasts until a defined end point, such as US citizenship or 40 quarters of work, usually 10 years.

When does the responsibility end?

USCIS says it usually ends when the sponsored person dies, is no longer a lawful permanent resident and leaves the US, obtains a new grant of adjustment to permanent residence in removal proceedings, becomes a US citizen or is credited with 40 quarters of work.

New edition: what changed in 2026

Item Detail
New edition Published 31 August 2026, edition date 08/24/26
Grace period The 10/17/24 edition was accepted for 30 days
From 1 October 2026 Only the 08/24/26 edition is accepted
Form I-485 Not rejected if filed with a previous edition of I-864

The new edition includes a privacy release authorizing USCIS to request information from consumer reporting agencies. If a sponsor has a credit or security freeze, USCIS may not be able to assess the form, so respond quickly to any request to release the freeze. Read our guide to credit freezes if you need to understand how that works.

Common mistakes

  • Treating it as a formality.
  • Using an old edition of the form.
  • Leaving a credit freeze in place when USCIS asks for access.

FAQ

Who must submit it?

USCIS says certain applicants are required by law to submit an affidavit of support completed by the petitioner. Check your category.

Key takeaways

  • Understand the commitment before signing.
  • Use the current form edition.
  • Be ready to respond to USCIS requests.

Last updated: October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with USCIS.

Sources

  • USCIS: Affidavit of Support

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