Immigrant Spouse Credit Claim: Utilization of Sponsor's Work Credits for Immigrant Spousal Applications
In the realm of U.S. immigration, there are numerous temporary and permanent employment visas at play. However, this article will focus on the easier-to-obtain temporary visas related to business, employment, and investment [2].
The Importance of Work Credits
To meet Affidavit of Support obligations under U.S. immigration law, an immigrant must have earned or been credited with 40 work quarters (also known as credits) under the Social Security Act. This typically equates to about 10 years of work history [1][4]. This step is crucial as it helps end the sponsor’s financial obligation because the immigrant is then considered self-supporting.
Earning Work Credits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) awards work credits based on earnings. In 2025, one credit requires earning $1,770 in wages or self-employment income. Up to 4 credits can be earned per year, one for each quarter, thus 40 credits usually equal 10 years of work [1].
Verifying Work Credits
It's essential to verify these credits ahead of time because the sponsor’s financial obligation under the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) remains until this 40-quarter threshold is met or the immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or dies [1][4]. The immigrant or sponsor can request a Social Security Statement from the SSA, either online or by mail, which provides a record of all quarters credited. The SSA website or local Social Security office can provide guidance and official documentation confirming the number of quarters worked [1][4].
Eligibility Criteria
The immigrant must accumulate 40 work credits under the SSA rules to no longer require the sponsor’s financial support. The credits can be earned through work in the U.S. and possibly through certain foreign work credits that social security agreements might cover, but generally, they are based on U.S. earnings [1][4].
Key Takeaways
In summary, the key step in counting Affidavit of Support work credits is confirming that the immigrant has earned 40 quarters under SSA rules, usually about 10 years of qualifying work, through verified earnings records obtained from the SSA [1][4].
[1] https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf [2] This article does not discuss the specific visas or the process for obtaining them. For more information, please consult a legal professional. [3] Links to social media platforms are provided at the end of the post for your convenience. [4] https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/affidavit-support-guidance-policy-manual-chapter-3-part-c-ch-3-vol-1-6.pdf
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) awards work credits based on earnings, with one credit requiring earnings of $1,770 in wages or self-employment income in the year 2025.
- It's essential to verify these credits ahead of time as the sponsor’s financial obligation under the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) remains until the immigrant has earned 40 quarters (approximately 10 years of work) as required by the SSA.
