Realizing I'm an Immigrant: Reflections on 16 months in Belize

Feeling different or unique has been a recurring theme throughout my life. I stopped worrying about what people think of me a long time ago, so it's no surprise that I sometimes miss little things—like how others might view me, or the labels that apply to my life.

It actually took me quite a while to associate myself with the term immigrant.

On social media and in conversation, the word expat gets tossed around a lot, especially among people from Western countries living abroad. For some reason, that term felt more fitting—until I had a conversation with another Canadian couple living here in Belize.

That’s when it hit me:

“Of course you're an immigrant—why do you think you go to Immigration every month?”

That moment made me stop and really think.

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Life as an Immigrant in Belize

As a legal immigrant, the expectation is that I report to an immigration office every month or two (depending on my last approved term). Each visit includes:

· Answering questions about why I’m here

· Proving financial stability

· Confirming that I’m not working here

· Showing documentation about where we live (like our land title)

· Paying $200 BZD per month to stay

If they’re not satisfied, I could be asked to leave—and given 10 days to do so.

Thankfully, while each visit is long, they’ve all gone smoothly. And I continue to trust that this is where we’re meant to be, at least for now.

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Seen, But Not Always Understood

There are times I know we’re being charged more simply because we’re not from here. And there are other times when locals go out of their way to welcome us—sharing favorite spots, offering help, or just checking in with kindness.

I often get curious looks. I usually respond with a big smile. Sometimes that smile is returned; sometimes not.

We’re fortunate to have found a community made up of a beautiful mix of people: locals born and raised here, families from the nearby Mennonite community, and immigrants from Europe, North and Central America. What fascinates me most is how similar our thinking often is—whether it’s about lifestyle, values, or the reasons we left our home countries.

It’s helped me feel more at home than I expected.

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Reaching a Milestone: Residency

To move from a tourist visa to permanent residency in Belize, you must live here for at least one full year (with no more than 14 days spent outside the country).

We hit that milestone on August 9th, and have officially started the residency process!

So far, we’ve had two appointments (each about two hours long), and submitted what feels like a forest’s worth of paperwork:

· Proof that we can financially support ourselves (the how, where, and why)

· Documentation of our time spent in Belize

· Birth and marriage certificates

· Evidence that we have no criminal record

· Confirmation that we’re not working here and don’t contribute to the tax or social security systems

Now that all of that has been reviewed and approved, our next step is an interview in early September. I don’t know what to expect—but I’m incredibly grateful to have made it this far.

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What Comes Next

Now that we’re no longer restricted from leaving the country, we’re looking forward to exploring more of the region. With Mexico just a 3-hour drive away and Guatemala only 1.5 hours, it’s hard not to feel excited (and a bit antsy) to see what’s out there.

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Want to House Sit in Belize?

We’re planning some time away and may be looking for someone to house-sit while we’re gone!

This would include:

· Staying in our lodge

· Potential use of our Jeep

· Caring for Willy (our dog), and possibly his two furry friends if they’re still here

· Tending to the chickens and collecting eggs-which your free to use

· Enjoying quiet, beautiful surroundings—and maybe a bit of local adventure too

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, feel free to reach out. We’d love to see if it’s a fit for all of us.

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Thanks for reading, and thank you for joining us in this chapter of our story.

Written by Laurie (Co-owner of Medicine Tree)