Non-Immigrant Visas

General Information

A Non-Immigrant Visa is for traveling, visiting, and attending business meetings in the United States.  Specific visas are required for persons who will attend college or be employed in the U.S. (See Student Visas, Worker Visas.) 

All Non-Immigrant Visa applicants must appear in person Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Children are required to be present at the interview also. 

Applicants must complete an on-line Electronic Visa Application form and schedule an appointment at the same site.  

Due to the high interest in travel to the United States during summer vacation, we encourage visa applicants to obtain their appointment at least one month in advance of travel plans. You may also check the current visa wait time online.

How to Apply

All visa applicants should bring the following documents with them to their scheduled interview:

1. A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after entry to the U.S. and in good condition as well as previous passports that document recent travel and contain any previous visas;
2. Two identical color passport-sized photographs 2" x 2", taken within the last six months;
3. A completed Electronic Visa Application Form. It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure that the information on the application is correct.  If a visa is printed with any errors due to the applicant's misspelling or wrong dates, the applicant will be required to pay for a second interview and submit corrected documents;
4. For males ages 14 to 45 only, a completed supplementary application form (Form DS-157);
5. The bar code that is printed as the third page of your application form;
6. A print-out of your on-line appointment.  Visit the NIV Appointment System to schedule an appointment for your interview at the U.S. Embassy.  You will need the barcode number from your application in order to complete this form and receive an interview date and time;
7. A receipt for the US$131 (BZ$ 262) processing fee paid to any Atlantic Bank.  This fee must be paid prior to application and there is no refund of the processing fee even if the visa is subsequently denied.
8. Birth certificate (and Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate to demonstrate a change of name, if applicable.);
9. A print-out of your appointment date obtained when you scheduled your appointment on line.  Applicants who appear without a completed visa application form, a receipt from Atlantic Bank, or a proper photograph will have to reschedule their appointment. 
10. All applicants should bring supporting documentation to the interview to demonstrate strong economic, social and family ties to Belize.  All documents must be completed in English. Individual experience in obtaining a visa can range from relatively fast and simple to relatively complex and time consuming.  There is no set list of documents that will guarantee visa issuance.  Possession of a previous or current visa does not qualify an applicant for a visa. 
    

Examples of Supporting Documentation

• Letter from employer indicating position, monthly salary, length of employment, and the date of expected return to work after the trip to the U.S.
• Proof of salary received
• Business license
• Last 3 months of bank statements, or bank book
• Previous passports and/or documentation of prior international travel
  If you do not provide the required documentation at the time of the interview, your visa request will be refused and you will be required to begin the process again.

Visas for Children

Only a parent or legal guardian may submit an application on behalf of a minor child.  The child has to be present for the interview and birth certificates must be presented for children under the age of 14.  In addition, the parent or legal guardian should be prepared to present proof of parentage/guardianship and identity at the time of the application.  An affidavit by a relative claiming to be the child's guardian will not suffice for this purpose.  Minor children must qualify for the visa through their parent or guardian.  Parents/guardians should provide supporting documentation (as listed above) to qualify for the visa.

NOTE:

Telephone inquiries are taken for specific cases, on Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ONLY.