Home / Belize
CARICOM Skills Certificate in Belize
How to apply for a CARICOM Skills Certificate (also called the CSME Skills Certificate) in Belize, with the office to apply to, who qualifies, and what you need.
Where to apply in Belize
Office: Immigration Department
Apply through the Belize Immigration Department, which handles the CSME Skilled Certificate.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are a CARICOM national in one of the 12 approved categories of skilled workers:
- University graduates (now includes associate degrees, two A-levels or CAPE)
- Artistes
- Musicians
- Media workers
- Sportspersons
- Nurses
- Teachers
- Artisans (with a CARICOM Vocational Qualification, CVQ Level 2)
- Holders of associate degrees
- Domestic workers (with a CVQ Level 2)
- Agricultural workers
- Private security officers
How to apply in Belize
Confirm you qualify
Check that you fall into one of the approved categories of skilled CARICOM nationals. Your category decides which qualification documents you need.
Gather your documents
Collect the originals below plus one copy of each. Immigration reviews the copies against the originals when you submit.
- Non-Belizeans also need a police record from their country of origin and from any country where they lived for six months or more.
- Bring the actual degree, diploma or certificate. Substitutes are generally not accepted.
Submit in Belmopan only
All documents must be submitted at the Immigration Office in Belmopan. Applications are not taken at other offices.
Pay the fees
A new Skills Certificate costs BZ$225. Add BZ$50 for each dependant under 18 or BZ$100 for each dependant 18 and over. Replacements are BZ$50, and amendments, upgrades or verifications are BZ$25.
Wait about 8 weeks
Immigration reviews your documents and, once everything is in order, issues the certificate. It is valid indefinitely.
Use it abroad
When you arrive in another member state, present the certificate to immigration for an initial six-month entry stamp. You can begin work immediately, then receive an indefinite stay stamp once that country's competent authority verifies the certificate. Spouses and dependants enjoy the same rights to live and work with you.
- Travel with your original qualification documents and a fresh Police Certificate of Character. The receiving country will want them for verification.
Documents required in Belize
- Completed application form
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Three passport-sized photographs
- Valid passport
- Degree, diploma or certificate proving your qualification
- Original documents plus one copy of each
- Non-Belizeans: a police record from your country of origin and any country where you have lived for 6 months or more
Good to know
- You get a minimum initial stay of six months in the host country.
- The fee schedule has been in effect since 1 May 2020. Confirm it is current when you apply.
CARICOM Skills Certificate in other countries
Travelling for your application?
If you need to travel to another CARICOM country for your application or to start work, we can sort your flights, a place to stay and your transfers in one booking.