Mike

Every immigrant admitted to the United States must demonstrate to a Consular or Immigration Officer that he or she is not inadmissible on public charge grounds. One way to help demonstrate that an immigrant is not inadmissible is to have a person in the United States, a sponsor, sign an affidavit of support promising to provide support and assistance to the immigrant if necessary. Immigrants who have someone sign an affidavit of support for them are called sponsored immigrants.

Mike

All family-based immigrants, including immediate relatives, family preference immigrants, and orphans, will be required to have new legally enforceable affidavits of support (Form I-864) if they file adjustment of status or immigrant visa applications on or after December 19, 1997. In addition, employment-based immigrants who are coming to work for relatives or for companies where relatives of the immigrant own 5 percent or more of the company must have sponsors.

john

When does a sponsor's obligation to support sponsored aliens end?

Mike

The sponsorship obligation continues until the sponsored alien naturalizes, has worked or can be credited with 40 quarters of work, leaves the United States permanently, or dies. However, a sponsor or the sponsor's estate remains liable for any support or requests for repayment of benefits that arose before the support obligation ended.