Yes, you can physically leave the United States at any time if you have overstayed your visa, but you must be prepared for severe long-term consequences the moment you depart. The U.S. does not have formal "exit controls" at the border where you would be stopped or arrested for leaving; however, your departure is recorded electronically via airline manifests. The primary penalty for an overstay is the "Unlawful Presence" bar: if you stayed illegally for more than 180 days but less than a year, you are automatically barred from re-entering the U.S. for 3 years. If the overstay was for more than one year, you face a 10-year bar. Additionally, any existing visa you hold is automatically voided under Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. While leaving resolves the immediate issue of being in the country illegally, it "triggers" these bans, making it nearly impossible to obtain a new tourist, work, or student visa without a formal waiver from the Department of Homeland Security. In 2026, it is strongly advised to consult an immigration attorney before leaving to see if you are eligible for any "Adjustment of Status" that could fix your record without triggering a decade-long exile.