What Is the Average Cost of an Immigration Bond?
🛂 Immigration Bail Bonds: Process, Costs, and How to Get Help
If you or a loved one has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you know how frightening and overwhelming it can be.
Navigating the system is tough—but understanding how immigration bonds work can help you bring your loved one home faster and reduce the stress of the detention process.
This guide walks you through:
The immigration bond process
Bond types and eligibility
How much immigration bail costs
How to pay, and how to get your money back
🔐 The Booking & Bond Determination Process
When someone is arrested for immigration reasons, they are first taken to an ICE detention center. This begins the booking process, where ICE:
Takes fingerprints
Reviews immigration and criminal history
Determines whether the person is a flight risk or public safety threat
If the individual is considered non-criminal (no prior deportations or convictions), ICE may issue a bond amount—but each case is reviewed individually.
ICE has 48 hours to investigate and determine eligibility. If eligible, bond will be set by either ICE or an immigration judge during a bond hearing.
💵 What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond is a financial guarantee paid to ICE to release a detained immigrant while they await immigration proceedings. It ensures the person will:
Attend all scheduled immigration court hearings
Comply with court orders and removal instructions if issued
If the person misses court, the bond is forfeited, and a warrant may be issued for their arrest.
📑 Types of Immigration Bonds
There are three main types of immigration bonds:
1. Delivery Bond
This is the most common bond and functions like a regular bail bond. It allows the detainee to remain in the U.S. while attending all hearings. If the person complies with court requirements, the bond may be refunded.
2. Voluntary Departure Bond
This bond is used when a person agrees to leave the U.S. voluntarily within a specific time frame. It is refundable if they leave as scheduled, but forfeited if they fail to depart.
3. Order of Supervision Bond
This unique bond allows the individual to live and work in the U.S. while their case continues. It comes with strict conditions and ICE supervision.
For more info on how each bond works, visit our page on Immigration Bond Types.
✅ Immigration Bond Eligibility
Not everyone qualifies for bond. You may be ineligible if:
You were caught crossing the border
You have criminal convictions or prior deportation orders
You are considered a national security or flight risk
Those held without criminal history may qualify. It's always best to speak with a lawyer before your bond hearing to determine your chances.
💸 Average Cost of Immigration Bonds
Starting Points:
Delivery bonds typically start at $1,500
Voluntary departure bonds begin at $500
However, bond amounts can climb into the tens of thousands depending on:
Criminal or immigration history
Risk of flight
Employment, family ties, and length of U.S. residency
There is no upper limit—each case is assessed individually.
🧾 Paying an Immigration Bond
Anyone with legal status in the U.S. can pay the bond. This includes:
Friends or family
An authorized bail bond agent
To pay the bond, you'll need:
A valid photo ID and proof of legal status
The detainee’s full name, date of birth, and A-number
Accepted Payment Methods:
Cashier’s check
Postal or bank-certified money order
Bank draft (made payable to the Department of Homeland Security)
ICE does not accept personal checks or cash.
🏦 Bond Refund Process
If the case is resolved and the person complies with all requirements, ICE will cancel the bond and issue a refund with interest to the obligor.
If you worked with a bail bond company:
The premium is non-refundable
Any collateral used will be returned once the case concludes and the bond is canceled
Need help estimating your bond costs? Use our free Bond Calculator Tool.
📣 Bond Hearings: What You Should Know
If ICE didn’t assign a bond—or if the amount is too high—you can ask the judge for a bond hearing.
You can:
Make the request at your first hearing, or
Submit a written letter including:
Your full name
A-number
A request to set or lower bond
If you need time to prepare your case, you can request a continuance before the hearing date.
🤝 Get Help With Immigration Bail Bonds Today
Being detained by ICE is difficult—but getting out doesn’t have to be.
At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we help families:
Pay immigration bonds quickly
Understand the process
Secure fast release across all 50 states
Access bilingual agents and flexible payment plans
📞 Call us now at (800) 537-0645
🌐 Or request a free consultation
We’re here to bring your loved one home—with compassion, speed, and clarity.
