Voluntary Departure

This legal remedy consists of voluntarily returning to the country of origin instead of the United States government deport you to your country of origin. With a voluntary departure, the immigrant will not be considered a deported person in the future. In most cases, once the immigrant returns to their country, this option allows him/her to return or apply for immigration status in less time.

This remedy can be requested at any time during the removal process. It can be before, during, or after your case is denied before the immigration court.

To be eligible for voluntary departure, you must:

• Not been convicted of a felony;

• Have valid travel documents;

• Pay for the trip back to your country of origin.

It is important to point out that these three requirements vary depending on which of the three stages, the voluntary departure is requested.