Belizean Immigration To Canada: What's The Process?

Belize is a popular destination for US and Canadian expats, and it's easy to see why. The country boasts stunning natural scenery, a low cost of living, and a relaxed way of life. For those looking to relocate, there are several visa options available, including the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP), which allows anyone over the age of 45 with a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000 to settle in Belize long-term. The Temporary Residence Program is another option, allowing individuals to stay in Belize for up to a year, with the possibility of extension or permanent residence. Canadian and US citizens can also take advantage of the Long Stay Permit, a digital nomad visa that allows for a six-month stay. For those seeking permanent residence, it is possible to apply after residing in Belize for at least a year, provided certain requirements are met. So, if you're considering a move from Belize to Canada, what are the options? Canadian citizens can apply for a visa to study, work, or visit Canada, and there is a Canadian embassy in Belize City for more information.

Belize visa types: tourist visa, temporary employment permit, qualified retirement program, permanent residency, and citizenship

Belize offers a range of visa and residency options, each with its own eligibility requirements and benefits. Here is a detailed overview of the different types of visas and residency permits available in Belize:

Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is a common entry point for visitors to Belize, especially those from North America or the UK who do not need a visa to enter. Upon entering the country, visitors receive a 30-day visa stamp on their passports. This visa can be extended for an additional 30-, 60-, or 90-day period for an indefinite amount of time, as long as certain conditions are met. The cost of each extension is $100 per 30-day period. It is important to note that those on a tourist visa are not allowed to work, either paid or unpaid, in Belize.

Temporary Employment Permit (Work Permit)

The Temporary Employment Permit, also known as a Work Permit, allows foreigners to stay in Belize for up to one year and work for a specific employer. The application process involves three steps, including applying online and submitting various documents. The work permit fee is typically $1,500, and it is only valid for the employer it was issued for. If an individual changes employers, a new application must be submitted.

Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)

The Qualified Retirement Program is a residency option for individuals over 45 who do not intend to work in Belize and can demonstrate a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000. The program offers benefits such as zero-duty importation on vehicles and personal items during the first year. The QRP is renewable annually, provided that the individual spends at least 30 days in Belize each year. The program fee is $1,750 for the applicant and $750 for each dependent, with an annual renewal fee of $25 per person.

Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency in Belize is for individuals who intend to make the country their long-term home. Applicants must have legally resided in Belize for at least one year, with no more than 14 days spent outside the country during that period. They must also demonstrate financial stability and a clean criminal record. The application process involves submitting various documents, undergoing interviews, and paying fees, which vary by nationality. Once approved, permanent residents can work freely in Belize and enjoy unrestricted travel in and out of the country.

Citizenship

After being a permanent resident of Belize for at least five years, individuals may apply for citizenship. To qualify, applicants must not have spent more than 30 consecutive days or three months out of the country in any given year during that five-year period. The application process involves submitting documents, attending an interview, and paying a citizenship fee of $150.

Cost of living in Belize: generally lower than in the US and Canada

The cost of living in Belize is generally lower than in the US and Canada, but it depends on your lifestyle. Belize offers a wide range of housing options, from basic wooden homes to luxurious beachfront properties. Here's a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Belize:

Housing

Belize provides a range of housing options to suit different budgets and preferences. The most economical option is typically a basic Belizean-style wood home without air conditioning. These homes tend to be smaller, with one or two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a simple kitchen. More recently, concrete homes have become popular, offering more conveniences like air conditioning but at a higher cost.

The location also plays a significant factor in housing costs. Properties in popular expat communities like San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker tend to be more expensive, especially those closer to the beach or the town center. For example, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro or Placencia can range from $1,200 to $1,500 per month.

Outside of these tourist hotspots, real estate becomes more affordable. It's possible to purchase a modern home for $75,000 to $200,000, or even build your own for $30 to $60 per square foot. Premium city locations, however, can cost upwards of $300,000 to $400,000 for a fully-amenitized home.

Food

Belize's national meal, stewed chicken with rice and beans, is a cheap and filling option, costing around $6 to $8 at roadside stands. Eating like a local and shopping at local markets can significantly reduce food expenses. However, eating out regularly, especially in tourist areas, can be pricey. A typical dinner at a local restaurant can cost around $15 to $25, while takeout from a roadside stand might be $6 to $10.

Transportation

In many popular retirement destinations within Belize, getting around on foot or by golf cart is common. However, for longer distances or if you live outside the walkable areas, owning a car may be necessary. Gasoline is more expensive in Belize than in the US, so combining trips or sharing rides can help stretch your budget.

Public transportation is also an option and is the cheapest way to cover longer distances. Bus fares vary depending on your destination but typically range from $1 to $15.

Utilities

Utilities in Belize are generally affordable, except for electricity, which can be quite expensive. Internet and phone services are reasonably priced, with unlimited talk and text plans with data starting at around $28 per month. Basic 20 Mbps Internet service costs about $25 per month, while faster speeds of up to 150 Mbps can be had for $100.

Water costs are very low, with tap water being drinkable in some areas like Placencia. Cooking gas, however, can be pricey, with butane costing $3 or more per gallon.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Belize has been improving, with the government investing in new clinics and medical services. Both public and private healthcare systems are available, with public clinics often operating on donations and public hospitals charging small fees. Private doctors and clinics charge higher fees but offer shorter wait times and better facilities.

The cost of healthcare in Belize is significantly lower than in the US, with an urgent care visit costing around $25 and advanced lab work around $200. Many expats choose to travel to Mexico for more advanced medical care, as the standard of care is higher and costs remain low compared to the US.

In summary, the cost of living in Belize can be significantly lower than in the US or Canada, especially if one adopts a more local lifestyle. However, it's important to note that Belize has a higher cost of living compared to some other Central American countries.

Belize's weather: subtropical climate, dry in late winter and spring, rainy in summer and fall

Belize has a stable subtropical climate with an average temperature of 84°F all year round. The weather is dry in late winter and spring, and rainy in summer and fall.

The dry season in Belize runs from February to May, with little to no rain. This is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, as the weather is warm and pleasant. However, it's important to be cautious of wildfires during this time, as they can occur due to the dry conditions.

From June to November, Belize experiences its rainy season, with higher humidity and more frequent rainfall. This period can also be the hurricane season, with occasional tropical storms and hurricanes forming in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico.

Belize's weather is generally sunny, with occasional passing clouds. The temperature rarely dips below 70°F, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a warm and tropical climate. The country is not exposed to extreme weather events like tornadoes or tsunamis, making it a relatively safe place to live and build a home.

The weather in Belize is influenced by its location in the Caribbean and Central America. The warm Caribbean Sea and the tropical rainforest contribute to the high humidity and abundant rainfall during the rainy season. The country's flat topography and low-lying coastal areas also play a role in shaping its climate.

Healthcare in Belize: public healthcare system offers free or low-cost care, but advanced medical care is limited

Healthcare in Belize

Belize's healthcare system is provided through both public and private healthcare systems. The public healthcare system offers free or low-cost care to all of the population, with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare. However, the system is underfunded, understaffed, and under-supplied, and advanced medical care is limited.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the entire health sector and is also the largest provider of public health services in Belize. The MoH offers affordable care to a majority of Belizeans and has a range of public programs and institutions. The private health sector provides care to a smaller portion of the population but at a relatively low cost, with a similar emphasis on quality.

There are only eight major public hospitals and around 60 public clinics in Belize. The public hospitals include the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), the national and regional referral hospital, and three regional hospitals: the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town, and the Western Regional Hospital in the nation's capital of Belmopan. The public hospitals and clinics provide very low-cost and almost free healthcare services to anyone who approaches them, but this often results in long waiting queues.

The standard of healthcare across the country is low, and medical procedures are limited. Private healthcare facilities in Belize City cater to expats and global citizens, but they continue to be expensive. The private health sector has grown over the last few years, especially in urban areas, and offers a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.

There is a shortage of medical professionals in Belize, with a large section of doctors and medical professionals being foreign nationals working as volunteers. The shortage of medical supplies and equipment hinders the delivery of quality health services, especially in rural areas. Emergency medical services are limited to urban towns and cities, with little or no ambulances in remote areas.

The MoH manages the public healthcare sector in Belize and is responsible for subsidizing medications, vaccinations, and emergency surgeries. However, patients bear the fee for diagnoses, such as laboratory tests and x-rays. There is a limit to medical provisions, and patients must sometimes travel to neighbouring countries for treatment.

Despite the challenges, the Belizean government has made significant changes to the healthcare system, and as a result, Belize has shown improvements in several areas, including vaccine-preventable deaths. The last reported case of measles was in 1991, and poliomyelitis in 1987.

Safety in Belize: high overall crime rate, but much of the reported crime is gang-related

Belize has a high overall crime rate, with one source citing it as having one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. However, much of the reported crime is gang-related and occurs in Belize City, particularly in the area south of Haulover Creek, known as Southside. Tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, but anyone near an incident could be affected.

Serious gang-related violence occurs most frequently in Belize City, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. This is largely what contributes to Belize's high homicide rate. Armed criminals have also been active in the remote forested areas of Belize, particularly near the border with Guatemala and close to tourist sites there. However, this area is patrolled by the Belize Defence Force, and there have been no reported incidents involving tourists.

The majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans themselves, but there has been an increase in violent crimes against tourists and expats in recent years. Tourists are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. Most foreign crime victims don't realize they've been victimized until they wake up and find their belongings missing.

While Belize has a high crime rate, there are ways to mitigate the risks. Tourists and expats are advised to be aware of their surroundings and follow the advice of local authorities and their hotels. It is also recommended to use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, keep valuables out of sight, and be aware that wearing expensive jewellery could attract attention.

In addition, joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and being part of local Facebook community groups can help stay informed about what's happening in the area. Taking simple precautions, such as keeping doors and windows locked, can also reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Frequently asked questions