Basic Travel Requirements for Ghanaians visiting
United States of America
Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to
apply for a American Visa.
General Requirements for United States Visa for Ghana Citizens
- Barcoded DS-160 confirmation page.
- Confirmation of your appointment for your visa interview at the embassy.
- Ghanaian passport that has a validity of not less than 6 months from the date of exit from U.S. The passport should have at least two blank pages for the visa and entry stamps.
- One colored passport-sized photograph that meets the passport requirement for a visa application.
- Bank statement of not less than three months to the period of application of visa. The visa is proof of continuous flow of income and that you will be able to cater for yourself during your time in the country.
- Travel insurance which covers medical insurance.
- Birth certificate for minors.
- Return flight ticket to Ghana.
- Receipt that shows you have paid the visa application fee.
United States Of America Visa for Ghanaians
Facts about United States Of America
The United States of America is one of the main tourist destinations in the world. You cannot truly see all the country has to offer in one trip. If you have exhausted the things to see in a particular location, the next location brings up a fresh array of things to see. The country has beautiful scenery, entertainment options, magnificent architecture, great tourist sites and so much more. No matter what you are interested in doing, you are sure to get it in the United States of America. National Parks, casinos, beaches, historical sites, movie theatres, trade fairs, shopping malls, restaurants, nightlife are just some of the things you can do in the country. Make sure you enjoy the rollercoaster of fun during your time here.
Tourism in the USA is a large industry that contributes greatly to the American economy. The United States of America is the country that attracts the third-largest number of tourists behind France and Spain and this may be attributed to the fact that tourists stay longer in the United States more than they do in France and Spain. The country plays host to about 78 million tourists yearly. Since Donald Trump got elected, the number of tourist visits in the United States has dropped by 4% and has led to the loss of about 40,000 jobs.
Citizens of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caymans, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, etc can gain entry to the United States of America visa-free for a certain period of time.
Types of United States Of America Visa
| Types of Visa | Processing Time | Duration of Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa | 5 -10 days | 3 months |
| Work visa | 5 -10 days | 3 months |
| Student visa | 5 – 10 days | 3 months |
| Transit visa | 5 – 10 days | 24 hours |
General Requirements for United States Of America Visa
General Requirements for United States Visa for Ghana Citizens
- Barcoded DS-160 confirmation page.
- Confirmation of your appointment for your visa interview at the embassy.
- Ghanaian passport that has a validity of not less than 6 months from the date of exit from U.S. The passport should have at least two blank pages for the visa and entry stamps.
- One colored passport-sized photograph that meets the passport requirement for a visa application.
- Bank statement of not less than three months to the period of application of visa. The visa is proof of continuous flow of income and that you will be able to cater for yourself during your time in the country.
- Travel insurance which covers medical insurance.
- Birth certificate for minors.
- Return flight ticket to Ghana.
- Receipt that shows you have paid the visa application fee.
United States Of America Tourist Visa Eligibility &
Requirements
-
Business/Tourist Visa
- The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).
- Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts.
- The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature.
- Often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.
- This category of visa does not allow you to take permanent residence in the country.
- You can neither study or be gainfully employed with this category of visa.
- Evidence of employment and family ties which shows you have the intention of returning to Ghana after the duration of your trip.
- If you are traveling to the country for medical purposes, there is a need to get the diagnosis from your local doctor and the reason why you cannot get the treatment in Ghana.
- You need a letter from the medical institution in the United States that is willing to treat you, the letter should state in detail the length and cost of the treatment.
- Applicants who are less than 18 should make sure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.
- This visa expires after 90 days.
- If you intend to extend your stay, you must file a request with the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
United States Of America Student Visa Eligibility &
Requirements
Student Visa
- For you to study in the United States, you need a student visa.
- The school you intend to attend and the course of study determine what category of student visa you will be applying for.
- The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa.
- If you wish to engage in academic studies in the United States at an approved school, such as an accredited U.S. college or university, private secondary school, or approved English language program then you will need an F-1 visa.
- You will also need an F-1 visa if your course of study is more than 18 hours a week.
- M-1 visa is for those attending a vocational or technical course or other non-academic institution.
- You should have applied to study in the institution of choice and must have been accepted before you can apply for any of the categories of the student visa.
- The admission letter from the institution you have been admitted to is mandatory.
- It is also necessary to provide proof of accommodation.
- Those with an M-1 visa may not work until their have completed their study.
- F-1 allows you to do on-campus work with restrictions.
- Minors should ensure their parents sign the application form.
United States Of America Work Visa Eligibility &
Requirements
Work Visa
- This visa allows a Ghana citizen to take up paid employment in the United States.
- An H-1B visa is required if you are coming to the United States to perform services in a pre-arranged professional job.
- To qualify, you must hold a bachelor’s or higher degree (or an equivalent degree) in the specific specialty for which you seek employment.
- USCIS will determine whether your employment constitutes a specialty occupation and whether you are qualified to perform the services.
- Your employer is required file a labor condition application with the Department of Labor concerning the terms and conditions of its contract of employment with you.
- H-2B visa is required if you are coming to the United States to perform a job which is temporary or seasonal in nature and for which there is a shortage of U.S. workers.
- Your employer is required to obtain a Department of Labor certification confirming that there are no qualified U.S. workers eligible for the type of employment on which your petition is based.
- An H-3 visa is required if you are coming to the United States to receive training from an employer in any field of endeavor, other than graduate education or training, for a period of up to two years.
- You can be paid for your training and “hands-on” work is authorized. Training cannot be used to provide productive employment and cannot be available in your home country.
- If you are the principal holder of a valid H visa, your spouse or unmarried children (under age 21) may receive an H-4 visa to accompany you to the United States.
- However, your spouse/children are not permitted to work while in the United States.
- Type O visas are issued to people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business and athletics, or extraordinary achievement in motion picture and television production, and their essential support personnel.
United States Of America Transit Visa Eligibility &
Requirements
Transit Visa
- This visa is for those traveling to another country from the US.
- Applicants of this visa type intend to board a connecting flight from the US to their destination country.
- Applicants may be passengers on a ship coming from Ghanaian port and is proceeding to another country.
- Holders of this visa are not allowed to visit friends or go sightseeing,
- Under this visa, you are not allowed to work.
- You need to present the visa of your destination country. Also, the flight ticket to your destination is required.
- Minors should apply for their visa separately from their parents and their application forms should be signed by their parents.
- The visa ceases to be valid after you exit the country.
United States Of America B-2 (Pleasure & Medical Visa) Eligibility &
Requirements
B-2 (Visitor and Medical purposes) Visa
- This visa allows you to visit relatives and friends in the United States of America.
- It is also used for tourism purposes.
- Foreigners who seek medical attention that cannot be gotten in their country can apply for this visa type.
- You can take up short recreational courses such as a two-day cooking class while on vacation.
- You can participate in amateur events or contests, if there is not payment for it.
- Applicants are not allowed to take up permanent residence in the country.
- You are not allowed to take part in any paid performances.
- Applicants cannot take up a course in any institution of learning or be employed in the United States of America.
- Visa interviews are required for only those within the age of 14 -79 years.
- If you are required to pay for the visa fees before interview, the application fee payment receipt is required.
- Medical diagnosis from your local doctor explaining the nature of your ailment and the reason you need the treatment in the United States.
- Letter from the medical facility that is willing to treat your ailment in the United States. The length and cost of treatment should be included in detail in the letter.
United States Of America B-1 (Business Visa) Eligibility &
Requirements
B-1 (Business) Visa
- This allows foreigners to visit the United States to conduct business.
- You can meet with business associates to discuss business.
- Negotiation and signing of contracts are allowed with this visa type.
- Foreigners can attend scientific, educational, professional or business conferences.
- Applicants are not allowed to study in any of the institutions of learning while they are in the country.
- You cannot take up any paid employment only as a personal or domestic employee for a U.S citizen.
- Your completed visa application form is required.
- Receipt of application fee payment.
- You must have a document which shows that you are in perfect health condition.
United States Of America H-1B (specialty Occupation) Eligibility &
Requirements
H1-B (Foreign Workers) Visa
- H1-B visa is meant for Ghanaians who want to work in the United States.
- This visa is only issued to Ghanaians when there is no citizen of the United States available to take up the job.
- The visa is issued for a period of 3 – 6 years.
- At the expiry of the visa, an extension of 1 – 3 years may be granted.
- Minor children and spouse of a holder of H-1B visa can accompany the H-1B visa holder with the H-4 visa.
- Your minor children are allowed to study with the H-4 visa.
- H1-B visa holders wanting a green card need to wait for an average of 6 years before getting it.
United States Of America H-2B Visa (skilled And Unskilled Workers) Eligibility &
Requirements
H-2B (Temporary Foreign Workers) Visa
- This visa allows foreigners work in the United States on a temporary basis.
- These workers usually work in the non-agricultural sectors.
- Foreigners who do this temporary work are usually on a low salary.
- You are expected to return to Ghana at the conclusion of the work in the United States.
- A letter from your local physician showing that you have a perfect health condition.
- Traveling with a minor requires you to have the minor’s original birth certificate.
- Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay in the country.
United States Of America L-1 (intra-company Transferees) Eligibility &
Requirements
L-1 (Intracompany Transfers) Visa
- This visa allows employees of a company with offices both in Ghana and the United States of America to work in the branch in U.S.
- It is valid for a period between 3 months to 5 years.
- Your spouse and minor children can accompany you by applying for an L-2 visa.
- Spouse of L-1 visa holders may work with a L-2 visa.
- Applicants of this visa must have worked for the company for at least 12 months over the past 3 years.
- Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
- The original copy of your minor’s birth certificate should be presented during the visa application process.
- Certificate of employment in the company is required.
- A letter from the United States of America division of the company requesting for your presence.
- Receipt of payment of visa application fee is required.
United States Of America O (for People With Extraordinary Ability) Eligibility &
Requirements
O (Extraordinary Ability) Visa
- If you have extraordinary abilities in your field, you will be issued this visa.
- Foreigners with special abilities in athletics, business, education or sciences, you will be issued an O-1 visa.
- If your special ability is in arts, television or motion picture fields, you will be issued the O-2 visa.
- Children and partners of the O-1 and O-2 visa types may accompany or join you at a later time by applying for the O-3 visa.
- If you will be accompanied by an assistant, the person is to apply for an O-2 visa.
- The O visa allows you to stay for a period of 3 years. After that time, the duration of extension will be decided by the USCIS.
- Original copy of minor’s birth certificate is required during the visa application process.
- Receipt of payment of visa application fee is required.
- Proof of extraordinary ability.
United States Of America Visa Fees
Tourist visa
B-2 (Pleasure & Medical Visa)
B-1 (Business Visa)
160.00 (USD)
160.00 (USD)
Work visa
H-1B (specialty occupation)
H-2B visa (skilled and unskilled workers)
H-3 (trainee)
H-4 (dependents)
L-1 (intra-company transferees)
O (for people with extraordinary ability)
190.00 (USD)
190.00 (USD)
190.00 (USD)
190.00 (USD)
190.00 (USD)
190.00 (USD)
Student visa
F-1 visa (academic studies)
| M-1 visa (non-academic)
160.00 (USD)
160.00 (USD)
Transit visa
160.00 (USD)
United States Of America Visa Application Centres & Embassies in
Ghana
Accra
24 Fourth Circular Rd, Cantonments, Accra
Website: https://gh.usembassy.gov/embassy/accra/
Tel: +233 (0) 30-274-1000