If you are looking for information on where to pay an immigration bond, it is key that you know the proper procedures and locations. This will facilitate the release of your loved one from immigration detention.
Paying these bonds can be complex in some cases. That is why our immigration lawyers in New Jersey is here to offer you expert advice and assistance every step of the way.
At Curbelo Law we make sure you understand your options and that your chances of success are maximized.
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How to apply and where should I pay an immigration bond in the US in 2025
To process and pay an immigration bond in the United States, we recommend that you follow these steps:
1# Determine Bail Eligibility
An officer with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) decides whether the detainee is eligible for an immigration bond. If eligible, an amount will be set and must be paid within a week.
If ICE does not set a bond, request a hearing before an immigration judge to determine eligibility. If the judge finds you suitable, bond will be granted.
2# Schedule an appointment with ICE (optional)
Although bonds must be paid electronically through the CeBONDS system as of June 2023, in exceptional cases it may be necessary to schedule an appointment with ICE.
This will be to make the payment in person and you can use the ICE website to find the offices based on your location.
It is important to note that any individual with legal status in the United States can act as a sponsor.
3# Gather the necessary information
Make sure you have the detainee’s last name and immigration registration number (A Number) before making any payments.
4# Select the payment method
Prepare a cashier’s check or money order made out to the “US Department of Homeland Security.”
Cash and personal checks are not accepted for payment.
5# Show up at the ICE office (if necessary)
If you must attend the scheduled appointment with the ICE office to pay the bail bond, do so respecting the corresponding date and time.
However, as we mentioned before, you have the possibility to pay bail online. You can do this thanks to the ICE system: CeBONDS.
If you have any further questions about how and where to pay an immigration bond, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What is CeBONDS?
The CeBONDS Electronic Cash Bail Bond System (CeBONDS) is an online platform that provides the public with an automated method to:
- Check information about bonds, and
- Post immigration bonds for detained immigrants, provided that an immigration judge or ERO has authorized their release on bond.
Additionally, the system allows ICE to send electronic notifications to cash bail debtors.
Registering with CeBONDS is relatively easy. Simply select “Click here to post a bond” and then follow the instructions provided.
How can I pay an immigration bond?
To pay an immigration bond, you have two options available:
- Paying with a certified check, or
- Through an immigration bond company in the United States.
If you decide to pay in cash, you must bring the full amount of the deposit. It is important to note that the accepted forms of payment are:
- With a US money order, or
- With bank cashier’s checks.
Either of these 2 payment methods must be issued in the name of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Who can pay an immigration bond?
Any individual over 18 years of age can post an immigration bond, even for themselves. However, they must have:
- Proper identification,
- Some proof of your legal and valid immigration status, and
- A legitimate address.
Now that we have answered the question of how to pay bail or how to pay one, please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or need further assistance.
Who can pay bail with CeBONDS?
CeBONDS is only accessible to users located within the United States.
As a result, American citizens, lawful permanent residents and attorneys can use CeBONDS to pay bail bonds.
In addition, immigrants have the option of paying voluntary departure bonds themselves.
We remind you that you must be legally present in the US. To learn more about the requirements to enter the United States or if you are an illegal immigrant in the United States and want to be legal, please feel free to read our respective publications.
How much does it cost to pay an immigration bond?
The cost of an immigration bond in the US varies widely. However, the usual minimum amount is $1,500 and there is no maximum limit. However, bonds have been seen reaching as high as $250,000.
Typically, factors such as how long a person has been in the country, family ties, and criminal history can influence the cost.
It is worth noting that voluntary departure bonds are usually simpler and generally cost around $500.
How long does it take for a detained person to be released on bail?
A detained person will usually be released at the end of the day after the bail bond has been approved and signed.
How does the immigration bond process begin?
The bail bond process begins when:
- An ICE officer arrests a foreign national, accusing him of being in the US illegally.
- ICE will transfer the detainees to a detention center and issue them a notice to appear.
- An immigration judge will then determine the validity of the charges.
If the alien is not subject to mandatory detention, ICE will set the amount of the immigration bond. This allows the alien to avoid being held in detention while his or her case is being resolved.
What happens after being released on bail?
After being released on bond, the deportation process continues, and the detainee remains involved in legal proceedings before an immigration judge.
It is important to understand that even though ICE has released the alien, this does not mean that their legal status is resolved. In addition, information provided to ICE is not automatically shared with the immigration court.
Once the foreigner is released, the case passes to the jurisdiction of the immigration court, where the deportation proceedings are conducted.
How does the deportation process begin?
- The removal process begins with a master calendar hearing.
- The immigration judge will ask the detainee to accept or deny the charges.
- If the foreigner agrees, the judge will determine whether there is any legal option that would allow them to remain in the country. If not, a deportation order will be issued.
- If the foreigner denies the allegations, an individual hearing will be scheduled in Immigration Court.
It should be noted that if the applicant does not appear at any hearing, the judge will issue an immediate deportation order.
What does a person who is going to pay an immigration bond need to bring to ICE?
Typically, a person posting an immigration bond needs to have the following with them:
- The original order that the immigration judge granted you in Immigration Court,
- A valid form of identification, such as a Green Card or a valid passport,
- Some proof of legal status if another individual is paying bail for you.
What other information is a person required to submit in order to post an immigration bond?
To post an immigration bond, individuals must present the following:
- Name of the detainee,
- Defendant’s alien registration number, or “A” number,
- Address of the detainee,
- Date of birth of the detainee,
- Country of birth of the detainee,
- Bail amount,
- Name of the person who will pay the bail,
- Valid address of the person who will pay the bail,
- Valid Social Security number of the person who will pay the bail (except if you pay your own bail),
- Valid phone number of the person who will pay the bail,
- Acceptable form of identification.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all information you provide to ICE is accurate and up to date.
Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the bond or the final decision of the Immigration Court will be considered a breach of bond. This will result in the loss of the money deposited for the bond.
What are ICE’s office hours for bail bond payments?
Bail bond hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., depending on the time zone in which the immigrant is detained.
How to recover money from an immigration bond?
Generally, you can receive a refund of an immigration bond if the immigration judge:
- Granted the detainee immigration relief. For example, asylum in the United States. If so, the bail will be cancelled and you will receive a refund automatically, or
- Order your voluntary departure or deportation. However, you will only be eligible for a refund if you comply with the departure order or report to ICE/DRO within the time indicated.
In cases of voluntary departure, be sure to obtain Form G-146 before leaving the US. You will need to submit this form, along with your airline tickets and passport, to the US consulate or embassy nearest to your destination country.
Steps to receive a refund of an immigration bond
If you have completed all of the above steps, you will need to follow these steps to request your deposit refund:
- Send the original Form G-146 in a sealed envelope from the embassy or consulate to the ICE/DRO handling your case. Once they receive it, the bond will be cancelled.
- ICE will notify you of the bond cancellation using Form I-391, which will be sent to the address on file.
- Follow instructions you receive on Form I-391 on how to request a refund of the principal amount and any accrued interest.
It is important to follow all steps precisely to ensure the full return of your deposit.
What to do if the ICE system cannot locate a detained immigrant?
If the ICE system cannot locate a detained immigrant, first make sure the name and alien number have been entered correctly.
If the information is correct and you still cannot locate the detainee, it is recommended that you contact the ICE office or our attorney Carolina Curbelo.
What happens if the immigration bond is not paid?
If a detained foreign nationals fail to post bail, they will remain in the custody of the Immigration Court and will remain detained throughout the deportation process.
This detention will last for the duration of the deportation procedure, which can range from 6 months to 2 years.
Don’t know how and where to find a minor detained by immigration? Our blog will answer this question. Our lawyer is also available to provide legal advice and guide you through each step of the process.
Immigration Bond Lawyers in New Jersey
In this blog, we have already explained where to pay an immigration bond and the steps to follow. As we have seen, this process requires quick action when you or a loved one is in immigration custody.
Jail is not a pleasant experience for anyone. Furthermore, the time an individual can spend under arrest can last for weeks.
This is why the Curbelo Law firm has enough experience and speed to act as soon as possible when these immigration situations arise.
If you or a loved one has been detained in the United States, it is important that you remain calm and contact us immediately.
