How to Get Immigration Bond Money Back
💼 Immigration Bond Refunds: What to Expect and How to Get Your Money Back
According to the latest ICE data, nearly 250,000 immigrants were detained across 200 jails nationwide during Fiscal Year 2021. If your loved one was detained and released on an immigration bond, you may be wondering: Can I get the bond money back? And if so, how?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from understanding immigration bonds to getting your refund from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
📌 What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond is a financial guarantee paid to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to secure the temporary release of a detainee under certain conditions.
There are two main types:
Delivery Bond: Ensures the detainee attends all required court hearings
Voluntary Departure Bond: Ensures the detainee leaves the U.S. voluntarily within a set timeframe
The person who pays the bond—known as the obligor—must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. While a friend or family member can serve as the obligor, many also choose to work with a licensed immigration bail bondsman for guidance and support.
🔁 Getting an Immigration Bond Refund
If you paid a bond on behalf of a detained immigrant, you may be entitled to a full refund—with interest—once all conditions are met. However, refunds are not automatic, and it’s your responsibility to follow up with DHS.
Here’s what you need to know:
For Delivery Bonds:
Once court proceedings are complete, and the individual met all bond conditions, ICE will send you Form I-391 (Notice of Immigration Bond Cancellation)
The refund process begins only after you receive and submit this form
For Voluntary Departure Bonds:
You must submit proof of departure from a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad
ICE will then confirm compliance and issue the bond cancellation
⚠️ Important: ICE will send the cancellation notice to the address on file. If you’ve moved, make sure to update your information to avoid missing critical documents.
📄 Required Documents for a Bond Refund
To request your refund, send the following to the Debt Management Center:
Form I-391 – Notice of Immigration Bond Cancellation
Form I-305 – Original bond payment receipt
Form I-395 – If you lost your receipt, use this affidavit as a substitute
Form I-352 – Original bond contract (optional, but helpful)
Once received and processed, the DHS will issue your bond refund, including accrued interest (if applicable). This can take several months, so be prepared for a delay.
🚫 What If Bond Conditions Aren’t Met?
If the bonded person:
Misses a court hearing or ICE check-in
Fails to leave the U.S. (in voluntary departure cases)
Fails to report to the embassy upon departure
Then ICE will consider the bond breached, and you won’t be eligible for a refund.
Here's what happens:
You’ll receive Form I-340 (Notice to Obligor to Deliver Alien)
If you fail to comply, ICE will issue Form I-323 (Notice of Immigration Bond Breached)
The bond amount is forfeited—no refund is issued
💡 Why Work With a Professional Bail Bond Agent?
Navigating the immigration bond process alone can be overwhelming. That’s why many families choose to work with a licensed immigration bail bonds company like Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds.
We assist families by:
Helping you post bonds quickly and accurately
Handling bond paperwork and ICE communication
Ensuring you understand all compliance requirements
Supporting you through every stage of the process
Learn more about how immigration bail bonds work and how to protect your refund.
📞 Schedule a Free Immigration Bond Consultation
At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we specialize in helping families across North Carolina and nationwide secure the release of loved ones from ICE detention.
If you’re ready to post bond or need help getting your refund, we’re here 24/7.
📍 Located in Raleigh, NC
📞 Call (800) 537-0645
🌐 Or schedule your free consultation online
Let our licensed agents take the stress off your shoulders. We’re here to help—every step of the way.
