Deciding to sponsor an immigrant for a Green Card is a massive responsibility. When you sign Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), you are entering into a serious contract with the U.S. government. But life happens. Relationships change, financial situations shift, and sometimes couples separate before the immigration process is even finished.
If you are feeling anxious about your sponsorship duties, you aren’t alone. One of the most common questions we get at Greenbroad is: “Can I take it back?”
The answer to I-864 withdrawal depends entirely on timing.
If the immigrant has not yet received their Green Card, you have options. If they have already become a permanent resident, the door to withdrawal is likely closed.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through exactly how I-864 withdrawal works, the myths about divorce and sponsorship, and the steps you need to take if you decide to cancel your sponsorship.
ℹ️ Key Takeaways: I-864 Withdrawal
- Before Approval: You can withdraw your Form I-864 at any time before the Green Card is approved and issued.
- After Approval: You generally cannot withdraw. Once the immigrant becomes a Lawful Permanent Resident, the contract is binding until specific conditions (like citizenship) are met.
- Divorce: Divorce does not end your financial obligation under the I-864.
- Method: Withdrawal must be done in writing and sent to the specific USCIS office handling the case.
What is the I-864 Affidavit of Support?
Before we dive into how to get out of it, it is important to understand what you signed (or are about to sign).
The I-864 form is a contract between a sponsor (usually the U.S. citizen spouse) and the U.S. government. By signing it, you promise that the intending immigrant will not become a “public charge.” This means they will not rely on government welfare benefits like cash assistance or SSI.
If the immigrant does receive these benefits, the government can sue you, the sponsor, to get that money back. This is why knowing how to fill I-864 correctly and understanding the long-term commitment is vital before you file.
I-864 Affidavit of Support - Marriage Green Card Guide (2026 Edition)
I-864 Withdrawal: Before the Green Card is Approved
The good news is that the I-864 is not binding until the U.S. government actually relies on it to grant a benefit (the Green Card).
If the adjustment of status application (Form I-485) or the visa application is still pending, you have the absolute right to withdraw your support.
Why Would Someone Withdraw?
There are many reasons a sponsor might choose an I-864 withdrawal during the processing period:
- Relationship Breakdown: The couple has separated or filed for divorce.
- Financial Hardship: The sponsor lost their job and no longer feels comfortable with the liability.
- Withdrawing a Joint Sponsor: A joint sponsor agreed to help, but now wants to back out.
The Consequence of Withdrawal
If you successfully withdraw your I-864 before the case is decided, the immigrant’s application will effectively be paused or denied. Since a valid Affidavit of Support is a requirement for a marriage-based Green Card, the immigrant will either need to:
- Find a new financial sponsor immediately, or
- Face denial of their Green Card application.
If you are the petitioning spouse (the one who filed the I-130) and you withdraw, the entire marriage-based application usually collapses.
I-864 Withdrawal: After the Green Card is Approved
This is where the situation gets difficult. Once the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves the Green Card and the immigrant becomes a Lawful Permanent Resident, the I-864 contract is “locked in.”
At this point, you cannot simply cancel or withdraw the form.
It does not matter if:
- You lose your job.
- You get divorced.
- You regret signing the paperwork.
- You drift apart and move to different states.
The government views this as a finalized contract. You promised to support this person so they wouldn’t burden the U.S. tax system, and the government granted residency based on that promise.
The “Divorce” Myth
We cannot stress this enough: Divorce does not end your I-864 obligations.
Many sponsors assume that if the marriage ends, the sponsorship ends. This is false. Even if you are divorced, if your ex-spouse applies for means-tested government benefits, the government can still come after you for repayment. Additionally, in some divorce proceedings, family courts may consider the I-864 promise when calculating spousal support (alimony).
I-864 Obligations After Divorce: What Sponsors Need to Know in 2026
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When Does the I-864 Obligation Actually End?
If you can’t initiate an I-864 withdrawal after the Green Card is issued, when are you off the hook? The obligation terminates automatically only when one of the following five events occurs:
- Citizenship: The immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen.
- Work History: The immigrant has worked for 40 “qualifying quarters” in the U.S. (usually about 10 years).
- Departure: The immigrant moves out of the U.S. permanently and abandons their Green Card status (formally stating they are giving up residency).
- New Adjustment: The immigrant obtains a new grant of adjustment of status based on a new affidavit of support (very rare).
- Death: The sponsor or the immigrant passes away.
Until one of these things happens, the contract remains valid.
Step-by-Step: How to Request an I-864 Withdrawal
If your situation falls into the “Before Approval” category and you are sure you want to cancel, here is how you do it. There is no official “cancellation form.” You must write a formal letter.
Step 1: Gather Information
You will need the receipt numbers for the case. Look for the receipt notices (Form I-797) for the I-130 and I-485.
Step 2: Write the Letter of Withdrawal
Your letter needs to be clear and concise. It should be addressed to the USCIS office where the file is currently located (this is usually on your most recent receipt notice or appointment notice).
What to include:
- Subject Line: WITHDRAWAL OF FORM I-864, Affidavit of Support.
- Sponsor’s Info: Name, Address, Social Security Number.
- Immigrant’s Info: Name, Date of Birth, Alien Registration Number (A-Number) if known.
- Statement: “I, [Name], hereby withdraw my Form I-864 Affidavit of Support submitted on behalf of [Immigrant Name]. Please do not adjudicate the application based on my financial sponsorship.”
- Signature: You must sign and date the letter with wet ink (black pen).
Step 3: Send via Certified Mail
Never send legal correspondence via regular mail. Send your letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This gives you proof that USCIS received your request to withdraw.
Step 4: Fast Action is Key
Speed is critical. If USCIS approves the Green Card case on Tuesday, and your letter arrives on Wednesday, it is too late. The moment the officer stamps “Approved,” the contract is binding.
Can a Joint Sponsor Withdraw?
Yes, the rules for a joint sponsor are generally the same as the primary sponsor regarding I-864 withdrawal.
A joint sponsor is someone who agrees to support the immigrant because the primary sponsor (the spouse) doesn’t make enough money.
- Before Approval: A joint sponsor can write a letter to USCIS withdrawing their specific I-864. If they do this, the immigrant will need to find a replacement joint sponsor immediately, or the case will be denied.
- After Approval: Just like the primary sponsor, a joint sponsor is on the hook until the termination conditions (citizenship, 10 years of work, etc.) are met.
If you are asking a friend or family member to be a joint sponsor, it is your responsibility to explain this commitment to them clearly.
Joint Sponsor Requirements - Who Can Be One
4 Common Mistakes to Avoid
The I-864 guide provided by USCIS can be dense. Here are common pitfalls regarding withdrawal and liability:
1. Assuming a Pre-Nuptial Agreement Protects You
You cannot sign a pre-nup with your spouse that voids the I-864. The I-864 is a contract between you and the government, not you and your spouse. A family court cannot overrule federal immigration contract law.
2. Thinking “Separation” Stops the Process
If you separate but do not formally withdraw your I-864 or I-130 petition, USCIS will continue processing the case. If they approve the Green Card while you are separated but not divorced, you are still the financial sponsor.
3. Not Updating Your Address
If you move, you are required to file Form I-865 (Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address). If you are trying to withdraw your sponsorship but USCIS can’t find you or send you notices, complications will arise.
4. Waiting Until the Interview
While you can withdraw at the interview, it is risky to wait that long. It is better to send the written withdrawal as soon as you have made your decision.
Processing Times and Fees in 2026
As of 2026, USCIS has continued to adjust fees and processing structures.
- Fees: There is currently no government fee to file a withdrawal letter.
- Processing: It can take USCIS several weeks to upload a withdrawal letter to a file. This is why sending it early and via certified mail is vital.
Always refer to the official USCIS I-864 page for the most current forms and instructions.
Conclusion
The decision to execute an I-864 withdrawal is serious and can drastically alter the course of someone’s life. However, your financial security is also paramount.
If you are still in the application phase, you have the power to cancel the contract. If the Green Card has already been approved, you must understand that this is a long-term commitment that survives divorce and relationship struggles.
The best way to handle the I-864 is to understand it fully before you sign it. Navigating government legalese is difficult, but getting your application package right the first time is essential for your peace of mind.
Don’t let the paperwork intimidate you.
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At Greenbroad, we specialize in making the marriage Green Card process transparent, affordable, and accurate. For a flat fee of $749, we help you prepare every form—including the I-864—so you know exactly where you stand.
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Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and this article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws are complex and subject to change. If you are in a complicated situation involving abuse, fraud, or difficult withdrawal scenarios, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney.