Difference Between Departure Bond and Delivery Bond

There are many differences between immigration bonds and the two most common are the departure bond and the delivery bond. The difference between departure bond and delivery bond is simple but important. Both these bond types affect your release. 

What is an Immigration Bond?

Immigration bonds are a legal promise, made in the form of collateral that is most commonly money. Once and immigration bond is secured, the detainee is allowed to leave detainment and rejoin the general population UNTIL the first court hearing. If the detainee misses that court date, or any other court date, or breaks any other laws, they will forfeit (or lose) all of their collateral money.

Bond conditioned upon the delivery of an alien (aka Delivery Bond) – the detainee is allowed to be free while asking the court for legal immigration status. They can continue to live in the United States while working with the courts, but they must be VERY careful not to break any laws and they should be at EVERY court date.

Bond conditioned upon the voluntary departure of an alien (aka Voluntary Departure Bond) – the detainee must leave the country at their own expense, allowing them some time to get their affairs in order and leaving. Immigration bonds are refunded minus the 12% agent fee. It is important that there are no unnecessary delays in the departure process, and immigrants leave with 120 days. Delays might result in involuntary removal [1].

Difference Between Departure Bond and Delivery Bond

Most people are aware of an immigration delivery bond, but the departure bond is much more specific and not as common.

Most detainees pay for a delivery bond to ensure they have the time and resources to petition for status, which means they apply for a delivery bond.

Voluntary departure is much more expensive on the immigrant because they must pay for all their own travel fees.

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