EB-3 Visa Documentation Checklist for Ghanaians

Start Strong by Getting Your Paperwork Right

If you're planning to move to the United States through the EB-3 visa program, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook: your documents.

When you are applying from Ghana, preparing the paperwork correctly and submitting it on time can be the difference between a smooth approval and a frustrating delay.

We have used our experience to set up a document list that you need for EB-3 applications in 2025.

Why Documentation Is So Important for EB-3 Applicants

The EB-3 visa is a path to U.S. permanent residency through employment. But unlike a tourist visa, this process involves multiple stages, each requiring its own set of documents:

• Job offer from a U.S. employer

• U.S. government filings

• National Visa Center (NVC) processing

• Embassy interviews

• Medical exams and final approvals

And for every stage, your paperwork must be consistent, complete, and credible.

Core Documents You’ll Need (Applies to Both Countries)

These are the must-have documents for all EB-3 applicants from Ghana:

• Valid International Passport – Must be current and have at least 6 months’ validity

• Birth Certificate – Must be official and match other ID info

• Police Clearance Certificate – From CID (Ghana)

• Academic Credentials – WAEC/WASSCE, BECE, or any relevant certificates

• Work Experience Letters (if required by the role)

• Marriage Certificate – If applying with a spouse

• Birth Certificates for Children – If applying with dependents

• Passport Photos – U.S. visa standard (not local format)

• Affidavits of Name Change or Age Declaration – If applicable

You'll also need to complete Form DS-260 online during NVC processing, and bring the confirmation to your embassy interview.

Special Notes for Ghanaian Applicants

If you're applying from Ghana:

• Ensure your BECE and WASSCE results slips are legible and match your name on the passport

• Police certificates must come from CID Headquarters in Accra

• The U.S. panel physician for your medical exam is located in Accra and slots may book out weeks ahead

• If you’ve changed your name (e.g., after marriage), carry supporting affidavits or legal proof

Many Ghanaian applicants underestimate how strict the U.S. system is about documentation. Getting this right early puts you in a strong position.

When to Start Gathering Your Documents

Don’t wait until you receive a visa interview date. Start preparing early:

• At job offer stage: Passport, birth certificate, school certs

• Before I-140 filing: Police certificate, family records

• During NVC stage: Marriage certificates, DS-260, photos

• Before interview: Medical exam, embassy-specific items

Many documents have a validity window (e.g., police certs usually expire after 6 months), so timing matters.

What If You’re Missing a Document?

Don’t panic because there's usually a solution available. It is important to not improvise and add incomplete documents to your application, just speak to your consultant first.

If a document is missing or hard to obtain:

• Request official alternatives (e.g. court affidavits, replacement certificates)

• Make sure translations are certified if anything is in a local language

• Don’t submit false or altered documents as it can lead to visa denial

A qualified immigration consultant can guide you through document recovery options and embassy requirements.

Final Tip: Stay Organized

Keep your documents:

• Scanned and saved digitally (PDF format)

• Printed and filed in labeled folders

• Backed up in case originals are lost or damaged

• Aligned by name across all forms (passport name = all docs)

When your paperwork is clean, your application stands out for the right reasons.

Ready to Get Started?

Your American journey starts with your documents. And once that’s in place, the rest of the process becomes much more manageable.

At InvestMigrate, we walk Nigerian and Ghanaian applicants through every phase—from checking their documents to helping them prepare for success. Let’s help you get it right from the beginning.