hi gang!

i know SOMEONE will have an answer for this one...

what are the requirements for a belizean citizen to obtain a visitor's visa to the usa?

are the requirements different for a student as opposed to an adult?

if i am the person writing a letter of invitiation to a belizean to come to the us, what are my obligations or responsibilities while that person is in the country? whom should a letter of invitation be addressed to? the visitor? does s/he then submit it with the other paperwork for a visa?

I have no info re student visas. Probably the local college would have info on that.
As for non student adults: We have written a few letters on behalf of friends seeking visitor visas. We address the letters "to whom it may concern" and offer to be responsible for the person's compliance with his visa (going home when required to do so). The letter is then given to the applicant who must submit it with whatever other paperwork is required.
My understanding of the factors that the US embassy in Belize uses to decide whether to grant visas or not is the extent to which the applicant is gainfully employed or has a business. They are reluctant to grant visas to people who they perceive are likely to be intending to stay and seek work. I am unaware of whether such criteria are in writing someowhere but you might want to do a netsearch and type in "requirements for US visitor visa" or go to the INS website and search there. You might also want to phone up the US embassy in Belize and ask if they have any factsheets. You can netsearch for this phone number, perhaps its on this site somewhere.

Student visas are possible to obtain upon filing a completed I-20 form with the US Embassy. Said form is obtained from the school and can only be issued for duration of studies and after providing school with name, date of birth, country of birth, country of citizenship, and latest INS requirement - proof of financial ability to cover not only the school costs, but transportation to and from home.

Even then, there is no guarantee. No matter how many "invitation letters" may be provided, if the applicant is unable to demonstrate a strong probability of returning home after completion of studies, the Visa will not be issued.

Link to INS site: http://www.ins.gov/graphics/index.htm



[This message has been edited by klcman (edited 09-13-2002).]

thanks for the leads! i will do research till i find out all.

cheers

Gogo can you please email me [email protected]

Thanks,
Sarah

re- getting a visa
some belizeans i know have been required to bring a bank statement and/or titles to land to show the embassy that they do indeed plan on returning. Even if it's leased land it seems to be ok.

Be prepared to provide at the least - bank statement showing min. $5,000BZ, title to property, work history and vacation permission from current employer. My Belizean husband & I gave up after three failed visa applications. I found the US Embassy less than helpful and I am American.