Definition
Voluntary Departure
Permission to leave the U.S. on your own without a removal order on your record.
Voluntary departure is granted by an immigration judge or DHS, allowing a noncitizen to depart the U.S. at their own expense by a set date. Departing voluntarily avoids the bars and stigma of a formal removal order, but failure to depart triggers steep penalties.
See also
Not legal advice. Definitions are provided for educational use. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.