Post-Conclusion Voluntary Departure: One-Year Presence, Good Moral Character, and 60 Days
This guide focuses on post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements. It addresses stricter end-of-case remedy, sixty-day maximum, advisals, and the records needed to preserve the post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements issue for EOIR review.
Post-Conclusion Voluntary Departure: One-Year Presence, Good Moral Character, and 60 Days addresses post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements through the historical rule and the current procedural posture. Post-conclusion voluntary departure is available after the merits hearing, but Congress imposed requirements not applicable in the same way to the pre-conclusion track. The respondent generally must establish physical presence in the United States for at least one year immediately preceding service of the Notice to Appear. Service evidence therefore matters. For post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements, counsel should chart five years of good moral character, test mandatory bond, and separately document alternate removal order. The post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements record should also compare proof of presence with final screening before hearing.
Stricter end-of-case remedy
Post-conclusion voluntary departure is available after the merits hearing, but Congress imposed requirements not applicable in the same way to the pre-conclusion track.
In post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements, counsel should map the issue labeled “Stricter end-of-case remedy” to dated exhibits. The post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements chronology should identify the decisive event for the issue labeled “Stricter end-of-case remedy”. If DHS disputes the issue labeled “Stricter end-of-case remedy”, the post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements brief should cite the controlling authority.
One year before NTA service
The respondent generally must establish physical presence in the United States for at least one year immediately preceding service of the Notice to Appear. Service evidence therefore matters.
A post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements presentation should isolate the issue labeled “One year before NTA service” from separate defenses. Each factual assertion about the issue labeled “One year before NTA service” in post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements should identify its source. This lets the post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements tribunal decide the issue labeled “One year before NTA service” without accidental concessions.
Five years of good moral character
The statute requires good moral character for at least five years immediately preceding the application. Statutory GMC bars and the factual record should be screened before requesting relief.
When litigating post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements, counsel should date the issue labeled “Five years of good moral character” precisely. Older post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements terminology can distort the issue labeled “Five years of good moral character” if modern labels are assumed. The post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements brief should tie the issue labeled “Five years of good moral character” to the law governing that proceeding.
Means and intent to depart
The respondent must show by clear and convincing evidence both the means and intent to depart. A passport, ticket funds, destination plan, and credible testimony can support this element.
For post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements, the practical question is how the issue labeled “Means and intent to depart” changes this case. A post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements brief should connect the issue labeled “Means and intent to depart” to record evidence. Any government challenge to the issue labeled “Means and intent to depart” should be answered under the authority controlling post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements.
Sixty-day maximum
Post-conclusion voluntary departure may not exceed 60 days. The Immigration Judge may grant less, so the written order—not the statutory maximum—sets the actual deadline.
Evidence about the issue labeled “Sixty-day maximum” should be indexed for post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements. The post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements exhibit list should group records proving the issue labeled “Sixty-day maximum”. This helps the adjudicator see why the issue labeled “Sixty-day maximum” satisfies the burden applicable to post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements.
Mandatory bond
The court must set a voluntary-departure bond of at least $500. Current regulations impose posting and proof requirements that can determine whether the relief remains effective on appeal.
If the issue labeled “Mandatory bond” turns on dates, the post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements chronology should use primary records. Any uncertainty about the issue labeled “Mandatory bond” in post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements should be stated openly. Overlapping post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements records can then address the issue labeled “Mandatory bond” without invented precision.
Bars to eligibility
An aggravated felony conviction, removability under specified security provisions, and certain prior grants or arriving-alien circumstances can make voluntary departure unavailable.
A decision on post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements should make a distinct finding about the issue labeled “Bars to eligibility”. If the issue labeled “Bars to eligibility” is rejected, the post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements ruling should reveal whether the problem is law, proof, credibility, or discretion. That distinction shapes review of post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements.
Discretion
Meeting every statutory element does not require the Immigration Judge to grant the remedy. Negative immigration history, criminal conduct, and noncompliance can weigh against discretion.
Before relying on the issue labeled “Discretion”, screen the complete post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements case. Success on the issue labeled “Discretion” may not resolve another post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements obstacle. Independent convictions, inadmissibility, final-order effects, or jurisdiction can survive the ruling on the issue labeled “Discretion”.
Alternate removal order
A grant is ordinarily accompanied by an alternate order of removal. Timely compliance with voluntary departure prevents that alternate order from becoming operative in the ordinary course.
Historical records can control the issue labeled “Alternate removal order” in a post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements case. The post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements file should collect the A-file and prior decisions relevant to the issue labeled “Alternate removal order”. Certified records should resolve any material dispute about the issue labeled “Alternate removal order” before post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements testimony.
Advisals
The judge should explain the deadline, bond, penalties for failure to depart, consequences of post-order filings, and any conditions. Missing advisals can create legal issues under BIA precedent.
A post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements hearing outline should place the issue labeled “Advisals” where the legal standard requires it. Questions about the issue labeled “Advisals” should follow the post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements chronology. This gives the Immigration Judge a record for a specific finding on the issue labeled “Advisals”.
Future visa consequences
Departure can trigger unlawful-presence or prior-removal grounds depending on the person’s history. Voluntary departure is not an inadmissibility waiver and should be coordinated with consular strategy.
DHS may contest the issue labeled “Future visa consequences” in a post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements case. The post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements response should identify whether the dispute about the issue labeled “Future visa consequences” is legal or factual. Extra equities cannot repair a statutory defect involving the issue labeled “Future visa consequences”, and citations cannot replace missing post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements proof.
Proof of presence
Tax, school, medical, employment, lease, utility, church, remittance, and family records can establish the one-year period when entry records are incomplete.
When the issue labeled “Proof of presence” intersects with an older order, the post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements docket must be reconstructed. A prior departure can also affect the issue labeled “Proof of presence”. Counsel should confirm the post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements procedural posture before placing the issue labeled “Proof of presence” in a new filing.
Proof of GMC
Certified criminal records, tax compliance, support obligations, declarations, and evidence addressing any adverse conduct should be assembled rather than assuming absence of convictions proves GMC.
An adverse post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements ruling may rest on more than the issue labeled “Proof of GMC”. The post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements appeal should challenge each dispositive ground. Review of the issue labeled “Proof of GMC” should use the standard and record citations that apply specifically to that post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements issue.
Appeal planning
A respondent considering BIA review must understand how the bond and appeal regulations affect continuation or reinstatement of voluntary departure. Appellate strategy should be set before the deadline.
Client counseling for post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements should explain what a favorable finding on the issue labeled “Appeal planning” accomplishes. A favorable ruling on the issue labeled “Appeal planning” may leave other post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements consequences untouched. Travel, admissibility, bond, visa, or criminal effects can remain outside that finding.
Final screening
Before accepting post-conclusion voluntary departure, compare it with cancellation, adjustment, waivers, asylum-related protection, motions, and the consequences of departing the United States.
The final post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements submission should make the issue labeled “Final screening” easy to locate. A post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements roadmap can pair the issue labeled “Final screening” with its exhibits. Proposed findings can organize the post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements record without burying the issue labeled “Final screening” inside decades of documents.
Primary Legal Authorities and Sources
- INA §240B / 8 U.S.C. §1229c Current voluntary-departure statute.
- 8 C.F.R. §1240.26 Current EOIR voluntary-departure regulation.
- EOIR Voluntary Departure Current EOIR public guidance distinguishing pre- and post-conclusion voluntary departure.
- EOIR Voluntary Departure Precedent Chart EOIR chart collecting BIA precedent on voluntary departure.
- Matter of Gamero, 25 I&N Dec. 164 BIA precedent on voluntary-departure bond proof and required advisals.
- Matter of Zmijewska, 24 I&N Dec. 87 BIA precedent on whether a failure to depart was voluntary for INA §240B(d).
- Dada v. Mukasey — DOJ Merits Brief Supreme Court litigation background for motions to reopen and voluntary departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core rule for post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements?
Post-conclusion voluntary departure is available after the merits hearing, but Congress imposed requirements not applicable in the same way to the pre-conclusion track. The respondent generally must establish physical presence in the United States for at least one year immediately preceding service of the Notice to Appear. Service evidence therefore matters.
What evidence is most important for post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements?
The statute requires good moral character for at least five years immediately preceding the application. Statutory GMC bars and the factual record should be screened before requesting relief. Meeting every statutory element does not require the Immigration Judge to grant the remedy. Negative immigration history, criminal conduct, and noncompliance can weigh against discretion.
Does proving post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements automatically win the removal case?
Post-conclusion voluntary departure may not exceed 60 days. The Immigration Judge may grant less, so the written order—not the statutory maximum—sets the actual deadline. A grant is ordinarily accompanied by an alternate order of removal. Timely compliance with voluntary departure prevents that alternate order from becoming operative in the ordinary course.
What should be checked before filing on post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements?
The court must set a voluntary-departure bond of at least $500. Current regulations impose posting and proof requirements that can determine whether the relief remains effective on appeal. Tax, school, medical, employment, lease, utility, church, remittance, and family records can establish the one-year period when entry records are incomplete.
How should an adverse finding on post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements be preserved for appeal?
Certified criminal records, tax compliance, support obligations, declarations, and evidence addressing any adverse conduct should be assembled rather than assuming absence of convictions proves GMC. A respondent considering BIA review must understand how the bond and appeal regulations affect continuation or reinstatement of voluntary departure. Appellate strategy should be set before the deadline.
Why is the chronology important for post-conclusion voluntary departure requirements?
An aggravated felony conviction, removability under specified security provisions, and certain prior grants or arriving-alien circumstances can make voluntary departure unavailable. Before accepting post-conclusion voluntary departure, compare it with cancellation, adjustment, waivers, asylum-related protection, motions, and the consequences of departing the United States.
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