U.S. Immigrant Visa Services – Belize
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan is responsible for processing immigrant visa applications for citizens and residents of Belize.
General Process
Immigrant visas allow foreign nationals to reside permanently in the United States. In most cases, a qualifying U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (LPR), or U.S. employer must first submit a petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the applicant’s behalf.
Once the petition is approved, the case will proceed to either:
- The National Visa Center (NVC) for family-based and employment-based visas, or
- The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) for Diversity Visa (DV) cases.
Applicants must carefully follow the instructions provided by the NVC or KCC, in conjunction with the guidance available at usvisas.state.gov and the U.S. Embassy’s website.
Immigrant Visa Categories
1. Family-Based Immigration
U.S. immigration law provides two main family-based visa classifications:
- Immediate Relative Visas – For spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens.
- Family Preference Visas – For other qualifying family relationships, subject to annual numerical limits.
2. Fiancé(e) (K-1) Visa
The K-1 nonimmigrant visa permits the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States for the purpose of marriage. The marriage must take place within 90 days of arrival.
3. Employment-Based Immigration
Each fiscal year, approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are available across five preference categories. Certain spouses and children may accompany or follow-to-join the principal applicant.
4. Diversity Visa (DV) Program
The DV Program makes up to 55,000 visas available annually through random selection to nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.
- Registration takes place online in October–November each year.
- Results can only be checked through the Entry Status Check at state.gov/ESC using the original confirmation number.
- The Department of State does not send direct notifications of selection via postal mail, phone, or email.
5. Returning Resident (SB-1) Visa
Lawful permanent residents who have remained outside the United States for more than one year, or beyond the validity of a Re-entry Permit, must apply for a Returning Resident Visa to resume permanent residence.
Key Applicant Responsibilities
- Follow all instructions from the NVC, KCC, and the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan.
- Complete the required medical examination with an embassy-approved physician at least 15 days before the scheduled visa interview.
- Bring all required documentation to the interview.
- For DV applicants, submit only one entry per registration period; multiple entries will result in disqualification.
- Remain alert to fraud and scams, only rely on official U.S. government websites and communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Embassy Belmopan
7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
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