{"id":352776,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/voluntary-departure.html"},"modified":"2025-09-15T08:27:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T13:27:54","slug":"voluntary-departure","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/voluntary-departure.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Voluntary Departure?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Voluntary Departure?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Voluntary departure<\/span> is a legal process that allows a noncitizen to leave the United States without going through removal proceedings<\/span>. For some, it may carry fewer negative consequences than deportation<\/span> or removal. It is different from self-<\/span>deportation<\/span>, which has no formal legal process.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Voluntary departure<\/span> provides a legal way for noncitizens to leave the country without the harsh consequences of deportation<\/span>. It can preserve your ability to return to the U.S. in the future.<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll discuss how voluntary departure<\/span> works. We’ll also explain how it’s different from self-<\/span>deportation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you or someone close to you is facing removal proceedings<\/span> or considering leaving the U.S., consult with an immigration attorney<\/span><\/a>. You can share the details of your situation with them confidentially. They will not report you to immigration authorities, regardless of your immigration status.<\/p>\n

What Is the Difference Between Voluntary Departure<\/span> and Self-<\/span>Deportation<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Voluntary departure<\/span> differs significantly from self-<\/span>deportation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Voluntary departure<\/span> is a formal legal process involving immigration authorities and the courts.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that immigration authorities consider a person to be illegally present if<\/a> either of the following applies:<\/p>\n

Self-<\/span>deportation<\/span><\/a> refers to when a person leaves the United States on their own after being in the country illegally. There is no paperwork or court hearing.<\/p>\n