7 Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Bonds Answered
🛂 7 Common Questions About Immigration Bonds Answered
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced a shift in immigration enforcement. Instead of targeting every undocumented individual, ICE is now focusing on people who pose national or border security threats.
That said, if you or a loved one is arrested for immigration reasons, you may still face detention. In these cases, an immigration bond can offer the opportunity to be released from ICE custody while your case moves forward.
Here are seven of the most frequently asked questions about immigration bail bonds—so you can make informed decisions and take the right next steps.
1. ❓What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond is a financial guarantee paid to ICE to secure the release of a detainee while their immigration case is pending. The bond:
Is set by ICE or an immigration judge
Must be paid in full to release the detainee
Ensures the detainee will attend all scheduled court hearings
If the detainee misses a hearing, they may be ordered deported in absentia, lose the right to present evidence, and forfeit the bond amount.
The judge determines the bond amount based on a risk classification assessment, which evaluates:
Criminal history
Flight risk
Family and community ties
Prior immigration violations
2. ✅ Who Is Eligible for an Immigration Bond?
Not everyone qualifies. You may be ineligible if:
You've already received a final deportation order
You were apprehended at a port of entry
You’re considered a threat to national security
You’ve committed serious crimes or have a record of terrorism
However, many undocumented immigrants without serious legal infractions are eligible for bond. Even with a past criminal conviction, if ICE hasn't formally charged you, you may still request a bond hearing.
Always speak with an immigration attorney before proceeding, especially if ICE denies a bond outright.
3. 🧾 How Do I Request a Bond Hearing?
If your bond wasn’t granted by ICE, you can ask an immigration judge to set or lower the amount. Here’s how:
Submit a request using the Notice of Custody Determination form
If you don’t have that form, write a letter including:
Your full name
A-number
A request to schedule a bond hearing ASAP
Send your request to the immigration court handling your case. If you need more time to prepare documentation, you can request a brief delay.
⚠️ Keep in mind: Bond hearings are separate from deportation hearings, but the same judge usually presides over both.
4. 🔍 What Is an A-number?
An Alien Registration Number (or A-number) is a 7- to 9-digit number assigned by the U.S. government when they create an immigration file for a noncitizen. It’s used to track your case and must be included in all correspondence and bond requests.
5. 📑 How Should I Prepare for a Bond Hearing?
The more documentation you bring, the better. Key documents include:
A. Sponsor Letter
Must be written by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who agrees to support you and house you if released.
Include:
Full name and contact info
Immigration status proof
Mailing address (no P.O. boxes) with utility bill or ID
How they know you and their role in your life
B. Supporting Evidence
Helps show you're not a flight risk and have strong community ties. Examples include:
Proof of family in the U.S. (marriage certificate, children's birth certificates)
Tax returns and employment letters
Letters of support from family, friends, employers, church leaders
Evidence of community involvement (volunteering, school enrollment, etc.)
Personal letter explaining why you want to stay
Medical records for yourself or dependents
Military service documents
Rehabilitation certificates, if applicable
👉 Any non-English documents must include a Certificate of Translation.
✅ Always make at least three copies of everything.
6. 🧾 What Are the Types of Immigration Bonds?
There are three main bond types:
🔹 Delivery Bond
The most common. It allows the detainee to stay in the U.S. while attending hearings and fighting their case.
🔹 Voluntary Departure Bond
If the detainee agrees to leave the U.S. voluntarily, they pay this bond and are refunded once they leave on time.
🔹 Order of Supervision Bond
This bond allows the person to live and work in the U.S. temporarily, under supervision, while their case continues.
For a deeper comparison, check out our guide to bond types.
7. 💵 How Much Does a Bond Cost?
Bond amounts vary depending on:
Risk assessment
Criminal record
Flight risk
Immigration history
Typical Ranges:
Voluntary Departure Bonds: Start at $500
Delivery Bonds: Start at $1,500
Some bonds go as high as $10,000–$20,000 or more
You can pay bonds via:
Cash bond: Paid in full to ICE
Surety bond: Paid through a licensed bond company like Amistad, with a 15–20% non-refundable fee and optional collateral
Want to estimate your bond costs? Use our online bond calculator.
🤝 Get Help With Immigration Bonds Today
Getting detained by ICE is one of the most difficult situations a family can face—but you don’t have to face it alone.
At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we help you:
Navigate the bond hearing process
Pay bonds quickly (nationwide)
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Access bilingual support (English and Spanish)
📞 Call us at (800) 537-0645
🌐 Or schedule a free consultation now
Let our experienced agents help you bring your loved one home—safely, quickly, and with dignity.
