📍How to Pay for Immigration Bail Bonds in North Carolina and Virginia

At the start of 2022, the number of immigrants in the U.S. reached a record-breaking 46.6 million. Among these, a significant portion face immigration proceedings due to visa overstays, unlawful entry, or violations of status. Many of these individuals end up in ICE detention—often leaving their families desperate to get them released.

If you have a loved one who’s been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in North Carolina or Virginia, understanding how immigration bail bonds work is the first step to helping them. This guide covers who can pay for immigration bonds, how much they typically cost, what happens after payment, and how to work with a trusted bail bond agent in your area.

Who Can Legally Pay an Immigration Bond?

Before you begin the process of paying an immigration bond, it’s important to know whether you’re legally eligible to do so.

To pay a bond on behalf of someone else, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)

• Be able to understand and sign documents in English, as all forms and contracts are issued in English only

• Bring a valid photo ID and Social Security number when visiting the bond office

Without meeting these requirements, your payment may be rejected, or processing could be delayed. If you are unsure, it’s wise to consult with a licensed immigration bond agent who can advise you before you begin.

What Are the Bond Amounts?

Immigration bond amounts are set on a case-by-case basis and depend on several factors. The individual must typically:

• Not have an aggravated felony conviction

• Not pose a threat to national security

• Not be considered a high flight risk

• Not have a history of repeated immigration violations

Depending on the situation, immigration bond rates generally range between $1,500 and $10,000, but can be much higher for complex or high-risk cases. If ICE considers the person likely to flee or has concerns about public safety, they may recommend a higher bond amount—or deny bond altogether.

To better understand how bond eligibility is determined, take a look at our breakdown of immigration bond eligibility and requirements, where we go over the process and qualifications in detail.

How to Pay an Immigration Bond Out-of-Pocket

Paying the full immigration bond directly—without the help of a bond company—is possible but can be risky if not handled properly.

To complete the payment:

1. Visit the appropriate ICE ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) Field Office

2. Bring your government-issued ID and Social Security card

3. Submit a certified cashier’s check made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

4. Complete the required bond paperwork, which is only provided in English

5. Ensure all addresses and case numbers are accurate to avoid delays

This method is sometimes referred to as “posting bond directly with ICE.” While it avoids third-party costs, it requires that you pay the full amount upfront—and be responsible for managing the legal obligations and paperwork on your own.

Mistakes, such as submitting the check to the wrong address, using incorrect details, or failing to follow up on court obligations, can result in delayed release or forfeiture.

Because of the complexity, many people choose to work with a licensed immigration bond agent to reduce risk and improve speed.

What Happens After the Bond Is Paid?

Once the bond is processed and accepted, the detained individual will be released from ICE custody. But that release comes with several important conditions.

First, the individual is still in removal proceedings. The bond does not cancel the charges; it only allows them to prepare their defense while outside detention. This is not a “get out of jail free” card. Missing court dates or violating bond conditions can result in immediate re-arrest and bond forfeiture.

Here’s what typically follows a release:

• The individual must check in with ICE as scheduled (usually every 3–6 months)

• They must attend all immigration court hearings

• They must notify ICE and the court if they change their address

• They must avoid any new legal trouble

It’s also important that both the bond sponsor and the person released keep all receipts and court communications. This will be needed later if a bond refund is pursued.

Understanding the Two Main Types of Immigration Bonds

There are two primary types of immigration bonds issued by ICE, depending on how the individual chooses to move forward:

Delivery Bond

A delivery bond allows the detained person to be released while they continue to fight their immigration case in court. The individual must:

• Attend all ICE check-ins

• Appear at all scheduled court hearings

• Comply with the judge’s orders throughout the case

If they fulfill all conditions, the bond is refunded to the original sponsor at the end of the case—regardless of the final immigration outcome.

Voluntary Departure Bond

This type of bond is issued to individuals who agree to voluntarily leave the United States. The judge sets a departure date, often within 30 to 90 days. If the person leaves the country by that date and provides proof, the bond is refunded.

If they fail to leave, they may be re-detained, and the bond is forfeited.

Each bond type serves a different purpose, and your decision should be made based on your legal strategy and with the help of your immigration attorney.

Refunds and Forfeiture: What You Need to Know

Immigration bonds are refundable, but only if all terms are met. Here’s how it works:

1. Once the case is resolved or the person departs the U.S., ICE will issue a Notice of Bond Cancellation (Form I-391) to the sponsor

2. The sponsor must mail the notice and the original bond receipt (Form I-305) to the ICE Debt Management Center

3. After verification, ICE will issue the refund check to the sponsor

This process can take several months, and any mistake—like a missing document or address error—can delay the refund.

If the individual violates any conditions (misses court, fails to check in, commits a crime), the bond is forfeited and will not be refunded.

Why Work with a Bail Bond Agent in NC or VA?

Posting immigration bond on your own is possible—but complicated. A professional immigration bond company can guide you through the process, handle the paperwork, and make sure everything is submitted correctly.

If you don’t have the full amount for the bond, a company like Amistad Bail Bonds can post the bond on your behalf for a small percentage of the full cost, usually 15%, plus collateral.

Here’s how working with a bond agent helps:

• Faster release time from ICE custody

• Reduced paperwork burden

• Guidance on ICE check-ins and court deadlines

• Flexible payment options with real estate or cash collateral

• Support in English and Spanish

Explore your options and learn how cash collateral bonds can help you secure a loved one’s release even when you can’t afford the full amount.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your bond process goes smoothly, avoid these common errors:

• Submitting incorrect or incomplete paperwork

• Missing scheduled court hearings

• Failing to notify ICE of address changes

• Choosing an unlicensed or unverified bond agent

• Forgetting to request a refund after the case is resolved

Following every rule matters. Immigration courts are strict, and even small mistakes can jeopardize your loved one’s ability to stay in the U.S.

Get Help From Amistad Bail Bonds

At Amistad Bail Bonds, we provide fast, reliable immigration bond services throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and the rest of the U.S.

We’re here to:

• Help you post bond quickly

• Explain your legal responsibilities

• Support you through every ICE requirement

• Make the process as stress-free as possible for your family

Whether you’re looking for a way to bring someone home from detention or just need advice on how to get started, our licensed immigration bond agents are ready to help.

Final Thoughts

Helping a loved one get released from ICE custody can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Understanding how to pay an immigration bond, knowing the difference between bond types, and working with experienced professionals can make all the difference.

If you’re in North Carolina or Virginia, call Amistad Bail Bonds at (800) 537-0645 or contact us here to speak with a licensed agent today.

We’re ready to help you bring your loved one home—quickly, safely, and with compassion.