Form I-220B, also called an Order of Supervision, is an ICE document that sets out the conditions a person must follow after being released from immigration custody under post-order supervision. The conditions are individual to the case and may include regular reporting, travel restrictions, requirements concerning travel documents, medical or physical examinations, and written notice of an address change. Read every page and attachment of the order you received; a general online checklist cannot replace its specific terms.
Form I-220B is titled Order of Supervision. Under 8 C.F.R. § 241.5, a person released under the post-removal-period custody provisions in 8 C.F.R. § 241.4 is released pursuant to an order of supervision. The regulation identifies Form I-220B as the form an authorised immigration official may issue.
The order records the conditions attached to the person’s release and supervision. It does not, by itself, cancel a final order of removal, grant a green card, or confer a new immigration status. The legal effect of the order must be considered alongside the person’s immigration history and any other notices or decisions in the case.
You can view the official ICE Form I-220B, Order of Supervision. The form is a government document; the copy actually served on an individual, including any addendum or additional conditions, is the document that matters for compliance.
Form I-220B is used in certain post-order custody situations. The relevant regulations address custody decisions after a removal order and the conditions that may apply when ICE releases a person under supervision. The decision is not explained accurately by describing every recipient simply as a person considered “low risk” or as someone enrolled in the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP).
ICE’s custody and release framework is set out in 8 C.F.R. § 241.4, while the conditions of an Order of Supervision are addressed in 8 C.F.R. § 241.5. Whether a person may be released, and on what conditions, depends on the applicable legal framework and individual circumstances.
Section 241.5 lists conditions that an order may specify. Depending on the person’s case, these can include:
The official form may also contain additional or case-specific conditions, including requirements related to an Alternatives to Detention programme, electronic monitoring or a curfew. These are not universal requirements for every person with an I-220B. Follow the terms written in your own order and any attached pages.
Check each page for reporting dates, locations, travel limits, notice periods and any additional instructions. Keep a complete copy in a safe place and make a calendar of required appointments and deadlines.
Attend each required check-in and keep records of attendance and communications with the assigned ICE office. If you believe you cannot attend as directed, seek legal advice promptly and contact the office using the instructions in your order. Do not assume that a missed appointment will be excused automatically.
Do not rely on a general rule or another person’s experience. Your order may restrict travel outside a defined area or require advance approval. It may also specify how and when an address change must be reported. Obtain advice before acting where the requirement is unclear.
Retain appointment notices, proof of check-ins, copies of written notifications, travel approvals and records of attempts to obtain travel documents. These records may be important if a question later arises about whether a condition was followed.
Failure to comply with an Order of Supervision can have serious consequences. Under 8 C.F.R. § 241.4(l), a person covered by that provision who violates release conditions may be returned to custody. The regulation also describes notice of the reasons for revocation and an initial informal interview after return to custody.
The outcome depends on the applicable legal provisions, the condition involved and the facts. Do not assume that every alleged breach leads automatically to the same result. If you receive a violation notice, cannot meet a condition, or believe the order contains an error, obtain case-specific legal advice promptly.
Form I-220B is an Order of Supervision; it is not itself an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The regulation at 8 C.F.R. § 241.5(c) addresses discretionary employment authorization in specified circumstances. A person should not assume that receiving an I-220B automatically authorises employment. Any separate work-authorisation question should be reviewed under the current rules and the person’s individual circumstances.
No. It is an Order of Supervision that sets conditions for release and supervision. It does not grant lawful permanent resident status.
No. The order concerns supervision and release conditions. It does not, by itself, vacate or cancel an underlying removal order.
That depends on the terms of your order. Section 241.5 provides for advance approval of travel beyond specified times and distances. Review the travel conditions in your own document and obtain any required approval before travelling.
No. Electronic monitoring, curfews and other programme requirements may appear as additional conditions in some cases. They should not be assumed to apply to everyone.
Contact the ICE office identified in your records or seek advice from your immigration attorney about obtaining a copy. Do not guess at your reporting dates or other conditions while trying to replace the document.
If you have received Form I-220B, been notified of a change to your supervision conditions, or are concerned about a possible violation, the details of your immigration history and the exact wording of your order matter. Lum Law Group can review the circumstances and explain potential next steps.
Learn about immigration and deportation defence or contact Lum Law Group to discuss your situation.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules and agency procedures can change. The final version should be reviewed and approved by a qualified immigration attorney before publication.
A. Justin Lum has been practicing law since 1993, with more than 30 years of experience serving clients across a wide range of legal matters. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and UC Davis School of Law, he is also a past President of the Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association, continuing a proud family legacy of leadership in the legal profession.
At Lum Law Group, we frequently speak with individuals and business owners who have already invested significant time and resources into their goals—whether launching a new brand or navigating a complex immigration journey—before discovering unforeseen legal hurdles. Addressing these matters early in your planning process provides much greater flexibility. It empowers you to make informed decisions before committing substantial financial resources or risking unnecessary delays. Because every legal situation is unique, developing the right strategy requires a careful review of your specific circumstances, business objectives, or immigration history. Whether you need general counsel to protect your growing enterprise or strategic guidance to secure your family’s future in the United States, proactive legal planning is always your strongest asset.
