In this article, the Gonzales & Gonzales Immigration Bonds team will review everything you need to know when it comes to getting an immigration bond refund.
Tens of thousands of individuals in the United States may stay in custody for extended periods, sometimes weeks or months at a time. However, some detainees can be set free via an immigration bond. When an immigration bond is posted for someone in immigration detention, the money can be refunded once certain conditions are met.
This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining your immigration bond refund. If you have immediate questions or concerns for our team, please give us a call directly at (800) 628-8888.
Understanding Immigration Bonds
An immigration bond is a sum of money paid to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to secure the release of someone from immigration detention. There are two main types:
- Delivery bonds: Allow detainees to be released while ensuring they appear at immigration hearings
- Voluntary departure bonds: Guarantee that the person will leave the country by a specified date
When Can You Request a Refund?
You can request a bond refund when one of these conditions is met:
- The immigration case has been completed (whether through deportation, voluntary departure, or grant of legal status)
- The bonded individual has complied with all court appearances and ICE requirements
- A final order from an immigration judge has been issued and all appeals have been exhausted
Steps to Obtain Your Refund
Below are the critical steps required to obtaining your immigration bond refund:
1. Gather Required Documentation
Before starting the refund process, you will first need to collect:
- Original I-352 bond receipt (Form I-305)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Documentation showing the case outcome
- Proof of departure (if applicable)
- Current mailing address and contact information
2. Submit Form I-391
- Request Form I-391 (Notice Immigration Bond Cancelled) from the local ICE office
- This form confirms the bond conditions have been met
- ICE will send this form to the ICE Debt Management Center
3. Contact the ICE Debt Management Center
- After Form I-391 is processed, contact the Debt Management Center
- Verify they have received all necessary documentation
- Provide any additional information they may require
4. Complete Form I-305
- Fill out Form I-305 (Receipt of Immigration Officer – United States Bonds or Notes)
- Include all relevant information from your original bond receipt
- Ensure all information matches your original documentation exactly
5. Wait for Processing
Once your application for the immigration bond refund was received, please allow several weeks or months to process:
- Standard processing time is 8-12 weeks after all documentation is received
- Complex cases may take longer
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
Have Questions About Getting Your Immigration Bond Refund? Contact Us!
Remember that the bond refund process requires patience and attention to detail. Keep all your documentation organized, follow up regularly, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed.
While the process may seem complex, following these steps carefully will help ensure you receive your refund successfully.