Alternatives to detention
The alternatives to detention (ATD) program supports the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) commitment to using detention as a measure of last resort.
In 2025, over 98% of individuals subject to immigration detention conditions are placed in the ATD program. Less than 2% are placed in immigration holding centres.
The ATD program provides CBSA officers and the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) with tools and processes to ensure public safety and effectively manage individuals released into the community.
Community supervision
Community supervision allows individuals to live in a community where they are supported by family members or by a service provider that specializes in community services. The support provided is tailored to a person’s needs to ensure compliance with program requirements. The following program options can be used alone or together.
Release on a deposit
“Release on a deposit” means that the person is only released from detention once funds are deposited.
Guarantee to a bondsperson
“Release on a guarantee to a bondsperson” means that a bondsperson will deposit and/or pledge money to ensure that the person in detention will follow all conditions of the release order. A bondsperson may also consider offering residence to the person in detention.
Release on reporting conditions
When a person is released, the CBSA and/or the Immigration Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) will assign conditions based on their risk level, such as reporting to a CBSA officer.
Release under a community case management and supervision program
This is intended for individuals who do not have a bondsperson, or who require additional support to mitigate potential risks linked to their release in the community. The CBSA has contracts in place with the John Howard Society of Canada, the Toronto Bail Program and the Salvation Army. Programming options may include referrals to:
- health and mental health support
- addiction support
- employment and housing support
- family and child programming
- mandatory residency, as required
Electronic supervision
Electronic supervision provides tools that make it easier for the CBSA to maintain contact with individuals with immigration detention conditions. They also allow the CBSA to better identify and investigate individual who do not comply with their conditions. Electronic supervision consists of the two following programs:
Electronic monitoring
This technology monitors individuals through a GPS, cellular towers and/or radio frequency. It is intended to be used in combination with a release on a guarantee to a bondsperson or the CCMS program. Participation requires client cooperation, and is predominately reserved for those individuals assessed as high risk.
ReportIn app
The app was developed by the CBSA to make it easier and more convenient for individuals to comply with their reporting conditions remotely. It uses facial comparison software and geographic data to verify the identify and location of the individual. Participation is based on the individual’s level of risk and willingness to participate in the remote reporting program.
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