Most Americans sponsoring a fiancé visa expect the legal process to end once the wedding is over. According to new research, many are unaware they may actually be entering a long-term federal financial obligation that can survive divorce for years afterward.
A study by Mendoza Law Firm highlights the legal and financial consequences tied to Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support required during the K-1 visa adjustment of status process.
The document legally binds a U.S. citizen sponsor to financially support their immigrant spouse at a minimum threshold set by federal poverty guidelines — even if the marriage later breaks down.
Researchers say the obligation is frequently misunderstood because it appears late in the immigration process, often after months of paperwork, interviews and filing costs have already been completed.
“The K-1 process is usually framed around relationships and immigration timelines, but there is also a significant financial contract sitting underneath it,” a spokesperson for Mendoza Law Firm said.
“Many sponsors don’t realise that obligation can continue long after a divorce is finalised.”
According to the findings, the sponsorship requirement can remain enforceable for up to ten years or until the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen or earns sufficient work credits under federal rules.
The report states courts across the United States have repeatedly upheld the enforceability of the I-864 affidavit, even where couples signed prenups or private divorce agreements attempting to waive support obligations.
The financial threshold attached to the affidavit currently sits at approximately 125% of federal poverty guidelines — equating to roughly $21,150 annually for a two-person household in 2025.
Researchers say the long-term liability can come as a surprise to many sponsors, particularly because the form is typically signed deep into a process that already carries significant costs and delays.
The study found the K-1 route remains substantially more expensive overall than the CR-1 spousal visa alternative once adjustment of status fees and post-marriage filings are included.
Government filing costs alone exceed $2,300 before legal expenses are factored in.
At the same time, denial rates for K-1 applications have continued rising.
According to the research, the K-1 denial rate reached 32.1% in 2025 — significantly higher than in previous years — while pending cases also increased sharply.
Researchers argue the combination of rising denials, long processing timelines and hidden financial exposure means many couples enter the process without fully understanding the long-term implications.
“Most people focus on getting through the immigration process itself,” the spokesperson added.
“But the financial obligations attached to sponsorship can outlast the relationship entirely, and that’s something many applicants are never properly prepared for.”
The report also notes that sponsors may face reimbursement claims from government agencies if the immigrant spouse receives certain means-tested public benefits during the enforceability period.
Mendoza Law Firm says the findings highlight the importance of legal guidance and informed decision-making for couples considering the K-1 route.
The study examined denial trends, financial obligations, processing timelines and legal enforcement tied to the K-1 visa process.
Readers can access the full research below.
https://mendozafirm.com/research/inside-the-k1-visa-process/
