USA VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR GHANAIANS – IBS CONSULTING GUIDE

Get in here if you are a Ghanaian planning to apply for your US visa soon!

Obtaining a US Visa is an important step for every Ghanaian who wishes to travel to the US. This could be for academic, business, family, or tourism reasons. The process of applying for a US Visa requires proper preparation, including knowing the Visa requirements.

A visa allows applicants to stay in the United States for various purposes. In your application for a U.S. visa, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the specific requirements for the visa category you are applying for. Detailed information regarding visa requirements, application procedures, and forms are discussed in this article.

You will find comprehensive pieces of information and guidance to complete your US visa application with ease. Keep reading to get the gist on how to apply for your US Visa in Ghana..

USA VISA TYPES FOR GHANAIANS

Migrating to the United States is a dream for many Ghanaians seeking new opportunities and a better future. The US offers a diverse range of visa options for you as a Ghanaian. These visas are categorized into non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas.

• NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS FOR GHANAIANS

Ghanaians who intend to temporarily travel to the US will apply for non-immigrant visas. This kind of visa type is pursued by tourists, business gurus, students or specialized workers who need a temporary stay in the US. These visas include: The student visa, business or tourist visa, exchange visitor visa and temporary work visa.

• IMMIGRANT VISAS FOR GHANAIANS

Immigrant Visas are designed to help those who have long-term plans to live in the US. They give applicants the opportunity to seek admission as legal permanent residents who will eventually obtain US citizenship. These immigrant visas are available through family sponsorship or employment opportunities in the US. Such visas include investor visa, religious worker visa, diversity visa lottery and extraordinary ability visa.

You can read broadly on scholarships for Ghanaian students in the US here: Scholarships for Ghanaian Students to Study in the USA

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR USA VISA FOR GHANAIANS

No matter the type of US Visa you want to obtain, there are certain documents requirements you need. The availability of these required documents will support and facilitate your Visa application process. Once you have selected the kind of visa you wish to to obtain, you should check the requirements and have all these documents handy for your application.

These documents vary depending on the type of Visa, the purpose of visita and the applicant’s personal situation. Below is the complete list of general documents required:

•  A VALID PASSPORT

You must have a passport that valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the United States or intended return date. However, there are certain countries that are exempt from this requirement, they only need a passport valid during their period of stay in the United States. Your passport should have at least one blank page to be able to affix Visa.

• AN ONLINE VISA APPLICATION FORM (DS-160)

The DS-160 form should be completed and submitted online. It contains the applicant’s personal details and information of the planned stay in the US.

• ONE PHOTOGRAPH

A passport photograph is required by the U.S Embassy. It is required for every type of Visa you want to apply for. Upload the photo while you apply online through the DS-160 form. Upload the photograph during your application for the DS-160 form. To avoid any issue even if you upload the photo online, endeavor to take the photograph with you on the appointment day.

• PROOF OF PAYMENT

There should be a receipt to prove your payment of $185 for a non-immigrant US visa application is required. Unlike the European visa policy that payment on the appointment day, you have to pay the fee in order to be scheduled for an interview.

• FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

You could be required to provide financial documents to prove that you have sufficient money to support your stay in the US. These documents include bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns and other financial documents.

• TRAVEL AND ACCOMODATION PLANS

Letters of invitation, flight bookings and hotel reservations may be required to ascertain the purpose and duration of your stay in the US.

• PROOF OF WORK

You may be required to provide proof of employment if you are applying for a work visa

• SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

You could be asked a list of the social media that you use, and the name of your account in each, phone numbers, email and social media history of the last five years.

Additional documents could be required depending on the visa type. This can include proof of education, marriage certificate, criminal records etc.

Confirmation of appointment for the visa interview: You must make an appointment for the visa interview and bring the appointment confirmation with you.

Be notified that every document not written in either English or the official language of the country in which the interview will take place must be translated.

Learn more on the top courses in the US: Courses To Study in the USA for Ghanaians

USA VISA APPLICATION PROCESS FOR GHANAIANS

If how to apply for USA Visa from Ghana is a concern for you as s Ghanaian who wants to travel to the US, here is the process you are expected to follow below:

Immigrant visas to the United States are processed for citizens and residents of Ghana at the U.S. Embassy in Accra. To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen seeking to immigrate must be sponsored by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relatives or prospective US employer and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa.

The sponsor begins the process by filing a petition on the foreign citizen’s behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

USCIS must approve your petition and you must omplete pre-processing with the National Visa Center (NVC).

Look at the American immigration website for more detailed visa information.

USA STUDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR GHANAIANS

As a Ghanaian who wants to study in the US, you will need the F-1 Visa to study in the United States. This visa is specifically for students who want to pursue their studies in the US. The F-1 Student Visa from United States is valid for the whole duration of the program you are admitted to + 2 months. You need to do the renewal of this Visa to stay in the US during your entire program.

The US student visa is categorized into two. The F-1, and M-1 visas. The F-1 visa is a temporary visa for Ghanaians who intend to migrate to the US temporarily for academic programs while the M-1 visa is a temporary visa for Ghanaians migrating to the US for vocational and technical programs. If you’re looking to migrate to the United States for study, the US Student visa is for you.  This visa requires you to have gained admission into a United States educational institution.

Here are the steps to follow for the American Student Visa

Pay the application fee and submit DS-160 form online.

Schedule your appointment with your passport number, your MRV fee payment receipt number and the ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

Visit the U.S Embassy or Consulate in Ghana on the date and time of your visa interview.

Read our full guide on how to study in the US here: How to study in USA for Ghanaians

ITEMS TO TAKE WITH YOU FOR YOUR USA VISA AS A GHANAIAN

A printed copy of your appointment letter

Your DS-160 confirmation page

One recent photography

Your current and old passports

Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.

USA TOURIST VISA FOR GHANAIANS

If you are visiting the US for tourism or business purpose, you must acquire a tourist visa as a ghanaian passport holder. The business/tourist visa is categorized into the B-1 and B-2 visas. The B-1 visa is a temporary/nonimmigrant visa for those traveling to the United States for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. It does not permit long-term employment in the U.S. while the B-2 visa is a temporary visa for individuals who wish to visit the United States for tourism, pleasure, or to visit family and friends. It is important to note that this visa does not allow for employment.

United States tourist visa requirements:

Holding Ghanaian passport that is valid for six months beyond the period of the intended stay in United States.

Proof of onward travel (departure) from United States.

If you are looking for United States visa information, such as available types of visas, or how to apply from Ghana, we recommend you visit or contact the embassy or consulate of United States nearest to your place of residence.

USA WORK VISA FOR GHANAIANS

You are expected to be the beneficiary of an approved petition from a prospective employer to be eligible for this visa. The same applies to employment-based immigrant visas.

The employer must file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the U.S. Citizenship and mmigration Services (USCIS) for the appropriate employment-based preference category.

Certain spouses and children may accompany or follow-to-join employment-based immigrants. F

Read Our full Guide on everything you should know about studying in the US here: Study in USA from Ghana

USA VISA BIOMETRICS PROCESS FOR GHANAIANS

Ghanaian students who want to study in the US need to provide biometrics during the visa application process. Biometrics to be done are basically fingerprinting and pictures for extra identification, these are used for security purposes.

All Applicants visiting the biometrics enrollment center are required to book an appointment. Read the application submission process on this website carefully before you move ahead with your visa application in Ghana.

Once you have successfully scheduled appointment, please carry the following to the Biometrics Enrollment Center –

Completed Application Form/s

All the Supporting Documents

Appointment letter

Payable few at the Biometrics enrollment Center.

Please make sure you arrive at the Ghana Biometrics Enrollment Center 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.

If you have missed your appointment on the scheduled day, the system will not allow you to reschedule or cancel, and you will be required to book a new appointment after 48 hours.

USA VISA REJECTION REASON FOR GHANAIANS 

Majority of US visa applications are approved, but there are standards under which your visa application can be denied as a Ghanaian.

Your visa can be rejected:

If the consular office does not have all your required details to determine your eligibility to receive a visa

If you are not qualified for the visa category for which you are applying

If your nformation received indicates the applicant falls within the scope of the inadmmissibility grounds of law.

If you have past records of criminal activities.

CONCLUSION

We hope this article helps you find out the specific requirements of your visa before applying for your US visa. We wish you a smooth and efficient application process with these tips.

Reach out to us for a personalized support in your visa processing journey.