EB-5 Visa Requirements for Ghanaians in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

For many high-net-worth Ghanaians, the desire to live, work, and raise a family in the United States is matched by the means to do so through investment. The EB-5 Investor Visa is one of the most direct and powerful immigration routes for those who can afford it — offering U.S. green cards not just for investors, but also for their immediate family.

If you’re a Ghanaian entrepreneur, property developer, or investor looking for a secure, long-term future in America, this guide will walk you through the key EB-5 visa requirements in 2025 — including capital amounts, documentation, timelines, and expert insights.

1. What Is the EB-5 Visa and How Does It Work?

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program was created to attract foreign capital and create jobs in the U.S. economy. In exchange for a qualifying investment, foreign nationals, and their spouses and children under 21, are eligible to receive green cards.

There are two paths to invest:

• Direct Investment – You start or invest in your own business and manage the job creation directly.

• Regional Center Investment – You invest passively in a government-approved project (e.g. a real estate development) that handles operations and job creation on your behalf.

Most Ghanaians choose the Regional Center route due to its simplicity and lower involvement. Regardless of which you choose, the goal is the same: invest, create U.S. jobs, and receive lawful permanent residence.

Each year, approximately 10,000 green cards are available under the EB-5 program. These are divided among all countries, but as of 2025, Ghana has no visa backlog, making now an ideal time to apply.

2. Capital Requirements in 2025

As of 2025, EB-5 investment thresholds are:

• USD $800,000 – If the investment is made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) (either rural or high-unemployment zone)

• USD $1,050,000 – For investments outside TEAs

What does this mean in Ghanaian terms?

At current exchange rates, the minimum investment of $800,000 translates to roughly ₵10 million–₵12 million, depending on market fluctuations. It’s important to plan for currency transfer fees, banking verification, and legal costs in addition to the investment itself.

Tip: Some Regional Centers allow you to lock in your investment in GHS through escrow agreements with local or international banks.

3. Proving Lawful Source of Funds: The Ghanaian Reality

USCIS (U.S. immigration) requires detailed proof that the money you’re investing was obtained legally. This is one of the most scrutinized parts of any EB-5 petition.

Common acceptable sources include:

• Business profits (with audited financials and tax filings)

• Sale of property (with title deeds and transaction records)

• Inheritance (with probate documents and bank transfers)

• Salary savings (with pay slips, employment contracts)

• Loans (if secured by collateral you own)

For Ghanaians, challenges can arise due to:

• Incomplete financial documentation

• Lack of formal tax records for cash-based businesses

• Complex banking history and limited transfer transparency

To avoid delays or denials, it’s essential to work with an experienced EB-5 consultant who understands Ghanaian financial realities and can help build a solid source of funds narrative.

4. Timeline for EB-5 from Ghana: What to Expect in 2025

While the EB-5 process is detailed, it’s very manageable with clear expectations.

Here’s a general timeline:

1. Investment & Source of Funds Preparation – 1 to 3 months

2. I-526E Petition Filing – Submitted to USCIS with evidence of investment and job creation

3. Petition Approval – 12 to 18 months (can vary)

4. Visa Processing (Consular Stage) – If approved, you apply for the immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy in Accra

5. Entry to the U.S. – Receive a conditional green card valid for 2 years

6. Remove Conditions (I-829 Petition) – After 2 years of meeting all requirements, you apply for a permanent green card

   
   

If you already live in the U.S. (e.g., on a student or work visa), you may adjust status without consular processing.

Currently, Ghanaians do not face EB-5 retrogression, which means faster processing than nationals of some over-subscribed countries like India or China.

5. Family Benefits and Long-Term Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of the EB-5 visa is that your entire nuclear family qualifies:

• Spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive green cards with you

• Children can attend public or private schools and qualify for in-state tuition

• You gain access to the U.S. healthcare, real estate, and financial systems

• After 5 years of residency, you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship

Whether your goal is to diversify your assets, provide better education for your children, or establish global mobility, the EB-5 opens doors with fewer restrictions than work-based or student visas.

Serious Investment, Serious Opportunity

The EB-5 visa is not for everyone — it requires a significant financial commitment and detailed documentation. But for Ghanaians with the means, it represents a direct, legal, and family-friendly pathway to U.S. permanent residency.

At InvestMigrate, we specialize in helping West African investors navigate the EB-5 process with confidence. From source of funds preparation to Regional Center selection and U.S. legal filing, we walk with you every step of the way.

Learn more about our EB-5 Green Card Program here.