Immigration bonds explained
Two kinds of bond, one federal process
What a delivery bond and a voluntary departure bond each mean, and how posting one differs from county bail.
Delivery bond or voluntary departure bond
A delivery bond releases the person from the detention facility while their immigration case continues. The promise is that they attend every hearing and any appointment they are given. When the case concludes, the bond is returned to whoever posted it.
A voluntary departure bond applies when the person has agreed with the court to leave the country by a set date at their own expense. The bond is returned once they have left as agreed. Which bond applies is decided by the officer or judge, not by the family.
Words you will hear
- A-number: the person's alien registration number
- Bond hearing: where a judge sets or lowers the amount
- Delivery bond: release while the case proceeds
- Voluntary departure bond: leave by a date, bond returned
- Obligor: the person who posts and is responsible for the bond
- Cancellation: the bond released when conditions are met
HOW POSTING WORKS
Four steps, on the federal clock
1. Call
Give us the person's name and A-number if you have it, and where they are held.
2. Confirm
We confirm the bond amount and type with the facility and explain both to you.
3. Post
The bond is posted with the federal government, at that facility or nationwide.
4. Release and hearings
The person is released; we track every hearing date with you.
What makes it different from county bail
- Set by a federal officer or an immigration judge, not a county schedule
- Posted with the federal government at any facility nationwide
- Release usually takes a day or more, not hours
- Amounts are often higher, so payment plans matter more
- Only a licensed immigration bond agency can post one
Questions about immigration bonds
A delivery bond releases the person while their case continues, on the promise they attend every hearing. A voluntary departure bond applies when the person has agreed to leave the country by a set date, and it is returned when they do.
Usually not. Immigration bonds are federal and require a specific license and process. We post only immigration bonds.
The bond amount is set by the immigration officer or judge, and the premium is a percentage of it set by law. Immigration bond amounts are often higher than county bail, which is why payment plans matter here.
Longer than a county jail. Federal facilities process releases on their own schedule, often a day or more after posting. We tell you what to expect at that facility.
Yes, in every office, and we can arrange other languages with notice.
At any federal immigration facility in the country. The person does not need to be held near our office.
Talk to a specialist, in your language
One call, any hour. We confirm the bond type and amount with the facility and explain both before you decide anything.
Get in touch