EB-3 vs EB-5 Visa: The Best U.S. Green Card Path from Ghana
- Joshua Godin
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
If you’re from Ghana and you are planning to move to the United States in 2025, two of the most talked-about visa options are the EB-3 and EB-5. Both lead to U.S. permanent residency (a green card), but they’re designed for very different types of applicants. Understanding the differences, especially in terms of costs, timelines, and requirements, can help you choose the right path for your situation.
In this guide, we’ll break down the EB-3 vs EB-5 visa choice specifically for Ghana, including local considerations, common misconceptions, and what each option could mean for your future.
What Is the EB-3 Visa?
The EB-3 visa is an employment-based green card for people who have a job offer from a U.S. employer. It covers three categories:
Skilled Workers – Jobs requiring at least two years of experience or training.
Professionals – Jobs requiring at least a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.
Other Workers (Unskilled) – Jobs that require less than two years of experience.
For most Ghanaians applying through the EB-3 route, the Other Workers category is the most common, since it doesn’t require advanced qualifications. You’ll need a U.S. employer to offer you a job, and your green card is tied to that job for a certain period after arrival.
What Is the EB-5 Visa?
The EB-5 visa is for investors who can put a significant amount of capital into a qualifying U.S. business project that creates jobs for Americans. As of 2025, the minimum investment is:
USD $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (rural or high-unemployment region), or
USD $1,050,000 in other areas.
You don’t need a job offer, specific work skills, or to live near your investment project. Many EB-5 investors from Ghana use this visa to gain U.S. residency for their family without having to work in the U.S. right away.
Key Differences for Ghanaians in 2025
Advantages of the EB-3 for Ghanaians
Lower Financial Barrier – You don’t need hundreds of thousands of dollars to qualify.
Direct Work Path – You arrive in the U.S. with a job secured.
Family Benefits – Your spouse can apply for work authorization; children can attend school.
Advantages of the EB-5 for Ghanaians
No Job Commitment – You’re not tied to an employer after arrival.
Flexibility in Location – You can live anywhere in the U.S. regardless of your investment’s location.
Potential Return on Investment – While not guaranteed, some EB-5 projects offer partial capital return after a set period.
Local Considerations for Ghanaian Applicants
Document Verification – U.S. immigration authorities may request proof of authenticity for Ghanaian academic, work, and financial documents.
Currency Transfers – If pursuing EB-5, ensure you work with a licensed bank to transfer funds, as Ghana’s foreign exchange regulations can affect timelines.
Consular Processing – Both EB-3 and EB-5 applicants in Ghana complete final interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Accra.
Which Should You Choose?
If you have limited capital but are open to starting in an entry-level job, EB-3 is likely your best route.
If you have significant funds and want flexibility without work requirements, EB-5 offers a more hands-off path.
In both cases, working with a trusted immigration consultant can protect you from scams and costly delays.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the EB-3 and EB-5 visa is a major decision for Ghanaians seeking a new life in the United States. Both open the door to a green card, but the right choice depends on your financial situation, career goals, and desired lifestyle.
A professional consultation can help assess your eligibility, explain the risks, and guide you toward a successful application, so you can focus on building your future in America.
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