Jason Belmonte is set to return to the Professional Bowlers Association Tour for a three-week USA swing that will commence at the end of September.

It's been a tricky stretch for the 37-year-old but when Belmonte finally got his visa approved for a further five years, there was only one way to describe how he helt.

"It's so relieving," Belmonte said.

"You don't know what's going on... that's been the frustrating part for me. There's no clear window that you can look at.

"My visa appointment was scheduled for April and then COVID happened. It's been pushed back six times. Every time I got closer and closer to the date, it got rescheduled."

He's looking forward to heading back to the states but knows he'll be at a slight disadvantage as the players on the tour have been back competing for several weeks, whereas Belmo's without competitive action since before the onset of the pandemic.

And while he acknowledges the hurdles he'll face, he's excited to defend his number one ranking.

"I've got a good opportunity to maintain my position at the top," he said.

"I'm going to prepare as best I can and not being able to compete like the Americans have been makes it more motivating. It just means I'll have to work a little harder than my competitors."

He's no stranger to having a chip on his shoulder.... whether it be his obscure style or the ongoing international travel, he's always welcomed adversity.

"I'm disadvantaged a lot of the time," he said.

"Every time I travel I've got to deal with the timezone changes... these other guys don't have to deal with that.

"It's going to be a little harsher than normal for me coming back."

The three-way stay in America will mark the end of the PBA tour as the planned return date for the association is January 2021.

However, with the ongoing issues, there's no telling if it will go as per programmed and Belmo certainly isn't looking too far ahead.

"I don't think anyone can be sure when it will start again next year," he said.

"I think everyone's excited to say goodbye to 2020, though."