A Quick Guide to Immigration Bonds
🛂 Immigration Bonds: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Get Help
Did you know that 1 in 7 people living in the U.S. is an immigrant, and 1 in 8 U.S. residents has at least one immigrant parent?
With ever-changing immigration laws and increased ICE enforcement, many families find themselves navigating detention and deportation. If this happens to you or someone you love, knowing how immigration bonds work can help bring them home faster and with less stress.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about immigration bonds—from eligibility and bond types to payment options and how to choose the right agent.
📋 What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond (Form I-352) is a financial guarantee paid to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to secure the temporary release of a detained individual.
By posting a bond, the detainee agrees to:
Attend all required immigration court hearings
Comply with court orders and removal instructions if applicable
If the person attends all hearings, the bond may be refunded. If they miss court or fail to follow conditions, the bond is forfeited, and a removal order could follow.
🧾 Types of Immigration Bonds
There are several types of immigration bonds, but the most common are:
✅ Delivery Bond
Most widely issued
Ensures the individual will appear at future court hearings
Refundable if all conditions are met
✅ Voluntary Departure Bond
Used when the court grants a detainee permission to leave the U.S. voluntarily
Refundable if the person exits by the date specified in the court order
✅ Order of Supervision Bond
Allows a detainee to live and work in the U.S. temporarily while under ICE supervision
Comes with specific conditions and periodic check-ins
Want to understand which bond is right for your situation? Visit our guide to immigration bond types and eligibility.
🚫 Who Is Ineligible for an Immigration Bond?
Not everyone qualifies for bond. An immigration judge may deny bond if the individual is:
Considered a danger to the community
Labeled a flight risk
Uncooperative or previously deported
Some offenses, such as aggravated felonies or "crimes involving moral turpitude" (including some minor offenses), may make someone ineligible.
🧠 Can You Appeal a Denial or High Bond?
Yes. If ICE sets the bond too high—or if no bond is given—you can:
Ask for a bond hearing at your first court date
Or request one by sending a written letter to the immigration court, including your name, A-number, and a hearing request
At your bond hearing, you’ll need to present:
A sponsor letter from a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Proof of community ties, such as:
Letters from employers, neighbors, or religious leaders
Property ownership or tax records
Birth certificates of U.S. family members
The goal is to show you are reliable, stable, and not a threat if released.
💰 How Much Do Immigration Bonds Cost?
Starting points:
Delivery Bond: Starts at $1,500
Voluntary Departure Bond: Starts at $500
Bond amounts are determined by:
Criminal or immigration history
Employment and family connections
Time living in the U.S.
Risk of missing hearings
There’s no maximum limit. Some immigration bonds can reach tens of thousands of dollars based on individual circumstances.
💵 How to Pay for an Immigration Bond
Option 1: Cash Bond
Paid in full to ICE
Refundable after the case, minus any penalties
No agent fee—but funds may be tied up for months or even a year
Option 2: Surety Bond (Through a Bail Bond Agent)
You pay a 15% premium of the total bond amount
No full cash needed upfront
Requires collateral, such as property or vehicle titles
The premium is non-refundable
At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we offer both cash collateral and property collateral bond services, with a $100 application fee and flexible plans to make payment easier.
Curious about your costs? Use our free bond calculator to estimate.
🧭 Choosing the Right Immigration Bond Agent
When it comes to bail, experience matters. Here are three quick tips:
1. ✅ Go With a Licensed Immigration Bond Agent
Don’t confuse criminal bail agents with immigration bail professionals. Immigration agents understand the unique ICE process and paperwork.
2. 🔍 Shop for Fair Rates
The industry standard is 10–15%. Be cautious of companies charging more—or demanding unusual forms of collateral.
3. 🤝 Trust Your Gut
A reputable agent will:
Be clear and upfront
Offer bilingual support
Walk you through every step without pressure
📞 Get Help with Immigration Bail Bonds Today
No one should have to stay in ICE detention longer than necessary. If your loved one is in custody, Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds is here to help you secure release quickly, compassionately, and professionally.
We provide:
24/7 nationwide service
Cash and property collateral options
Free consultations with licensed agents
📞 Call us now at (800) 537-0645
🌐 Or request a free consultation online
Let’s bring your loved one home—together.
