A Canberra man who was detained in the United States for reportedly overstaying his visa by less than two hours has been handed a date to face court.

Family and friends of Baxter Reid said the 26-year-old was being held at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in upstate New York after being detained by US immigration officials.

According to Mr Reid's family, Baxter had been in the US on a five-year visa, which required him to leave the country every six months.

He was reportedly trying to travel to Canada to fulfil this requirement when he was detained.

On Tuesday, Mr Reid's brother Alexander said his family feared it could take up to six months for Baxter to receive a court date.

But today Mr Reid's girlfriend Heather Kancso said a court date had been set for May 10.

"The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind to say the least," she said.

"But he did receive a court date today. He will appear in front of a judge for his first bonds hearing on May 10 at 1:00pm."

A Go Fund Me page for Mr Reid's legal fees has raised more than $8,000. ( Go Fund Me )

Ms Kancso said it was possible Mr Reid would be granted bail, but she said she was cautious of getting her hopes up.

"I'm learning to roll with the punches in this whole situation, though I'm hoping for the best possible outcome that is for sure," she said.

"I've been in contact with Baxter every single day.

"He's doing about as good as anybody who has no prior criminal record that is now sitting in jail can possibly do.

"He's definitely in good spirits and he's trying to see the bright side of things."

When Mr Reid was first detained, Ms Kancso set up a Go Fund Me page with a goal of $8,000, in an attempt to help with legal fees.

She said both she and Mr Reid were shocked and thankful for how much support they had received.

"We've actually gone over our goal by $500 the last time I checked," she said.

"It's incredible, I don't have words for how grateful I am."