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From Accra to America: Practical Challenges in the EB-3 Visa Journey

  • Writer: Joshua Godin
    Joshua Godin
  • Sep 26
  • 3 min read

On paper, the EB-3 visa process looks straightforward: find a sponsoring employer, go through the U.S. government’s steps, and attend your interview. But for many Ghanaians, there are practical challenges that make the journey more complicated than it first appears.


These are not obstacles meant to discourage you as they are simply realities of applying from Ghana. By understanding them early, you can plan ahead and avoid costly mistakes or delays. Let's discuss these steps now.

a couple preparing for an application in the library.

The Official EB-3 Process in Brief

Every EB-3 applicant, whether in Ghana or elsewhere, goes through the same basic stages:

  1. PERM Labor Certification – Your employer proves there’s a job for you in the U.S.

  2. Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) – Filed with USCIS.

  3. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing – Collecting and submitting documents.

  4. U.S. Consulate Interview – The final approval stage.


For Ghanaian applicants, however, additional steps often come into play between these milestones.


Practical Challenge 1: Medical Exams in Accra

All EB-3 applicants must complete a medical exam with a U.S.-approved panel physician. In Ghana, the number of approved doctors is limited and here's the main issue: they are all based in Accra.

  • Limited Availability: Appointments are hard to book at the last minute. Sometimes, physicians could be booked for weeks at a time.

  • Costs in Ghana Cedis: Expect to budget not only for the exam but also for required vaccinations.

  • Travel for Non-Accra Residents: Applicants outside Accra must plan for transport and possibly accommodation.


Scheduling this early is crucial, as delays here can postpone your entire visa interview. If you don't live in Accra, you need to be even more careful with this because if you miss it, rescheduling could takes weeks and add to your visa processing time.


Practical Challenge 2: Police Certificates and Documentation

The U.S. requires a police clearance certificate for every EB-3 applicant. In Ghana, this step often causes unexpected challenges:

  • Verification Delays: Processing can take longer than expected, especially during busy periods.

  • Accuracy Issues: Minor errors in names, dates of birth, or spelling can cause problems later.

  • Other Documents: WAEC certificates, marriage certificates, and birth certificates must all be in good order and may require re-issuance or official verification.


You must double-check documents well before NVC submission to avoid surprises.


Practical Challenge 3: Embassy Delays and Scheduling

The final stage of the EB-3 process is the visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in Accra. Many applicants underestimate how much timing can vary here:

  • High Demand: Appointment slots fill quickly, and rescheduling can add months.

  • Administrative Processing: Some applicants are asked for additional documents, which can extend timelines.

  • Family Cases: When applying with dependents, the process can take even longer due to extra verification.


Planning Ahead as a Ghanaian Applicant

These challenges are no doubt quite annoying but they can be dealt with if you prepare smartly in advance. Here are smart ways to prepare:

  • Book Medical Exams Early: Secure your slot with a panel physician as soon as you can.

  • Organize Documents: Keep originals and certified copies in one place.

  • Budget Wisely: Account for local costs in Ghana Cedis (police certificate, medical, travel) alongside U.S. government fees.


Tips to Avoid Delays

  1. Check Details Carefully: Ensure your names and dates match across all forms and documents.

  2. Stay Proactive: Follow up on police certificates or medical appointments instead of waiting passively.

  3. Work With a Consultant: A professional can spot errors before they cause delays and guide you through the Ghana-specific steps.


Conclusion

The EB-3 process from Ghana has more moving parts than the official checklist suggests. Medicals in Accra, police certificates, and embassy scheduling can all add hidden weeks or months to your journey.


But with careful preparation and honest guidance, these steps become manageable. By planning ahead, you’ll stay on track and move closer to your American dream with confidence.


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