I-864 Qualifying Quarters

[mam521 2,103]

The instructions for an I-864 say the sponsor is responsible for supporting the immigrant financially, should they require it.  There are exceptions for immigrants to not have a sponsor.  One of which is the following: 

 

"Any intending immigrant who has earned or can receive credit for 40 qualifying quarters (credits) of work in the United States.  In addition to their own work, intending immigrants may be able to secure credit for work performed by a spouse during marriage and by their parents while the immigrants were under 18 years of age. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can provide information on how to count quarters of work earned or credited and how to provide evidence of such. "

 

As I understand it, the financial sponsor is responsible for the immigrant until they naturalize or have met 40 qualifying quarters of employment. 

 

In my case, I was employed for 21 quarters of work prior to our immigration journey, while I was legally working in the US on an L1 visa.  So, is hubs on the hook for only 19 quarters? Do my previous quarters count, despite not being 40 full quarters?  This is totally philosophical in nature as I'm completely happy in my relationship and will be applying for citizenship next month under the 3 year rule, but I'm curious, none the less.  

[TBoneTX 45,536]

Thread is moved from Off Topic to General Immigration Discussion.

[Chancy 6,241]

6 hours ago, mam521 said:

Do my previous quarters count, despite not being 40 full quarters?

 

Yes, your previous work credits count.  No requirement for you to have been an LPR when you earned those qualifying quarters of coverage.  So, once your record with SSA says you have 40 quarters, your I-864 sponsor is off the hook.

 

"Your obligations under a Form I-864 that you signed will end if the person who becomes a lawful permanent resident based on that affidavit:

[...]
B. Has worked, or can receive credit for, 40 quarters of coverage under the Social Security Act;
[...]"