Ghana to Green Card: How the EB-3 Visa Leads to U.S. Permanent Residency

For many Ghanaians, the ultimate goal of migrating to the United States is not just to work abroad but to secure long-term stability. The EB-3 visa stands out because it does more than provide a job because it leads directly to a green card. This blog explains how the EB-3 process takes you from an application in Ghana to permanent residency in America.

What the EB-3 Visa Really Is

The EB-3 is an employment-based immigrant visa, meaning it is tied to a job offer in the United States. Unlike temporary work visas, it grants you and your family permanent resident status. Once approved, you are not only authorized to work in the U.S. but also put on the path to citizenship.

For Ghanaians considering their options, this is one of the most secure and reliable immigration routes.

The Process from Ghana to the U.S.

Here’s a simplified look at the key steps from Ghana to America under the EB-3 program:

1. Job Offer & Sponsorship – A U.S. employer agrees to sponsor your visa.

2. PERM Labor Certification – The employer completes a process with the U.S. Department of Labor to confirm there are no qualified American workers for the role.

3. I-140 Petition – Your employer files an immigrant petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

4. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing – Once approved, your case is sent to the U.S. embassy for further steps.

5. Embassy Interview in Accra – You attend a consular interview, bringing required documents such as police clearance and medical exam results.

6. Visa Issuance – If successful, your EB-3 visa is stamped in your passport, allowing you to travel.

From Visa to Green Card

One common question from Ghanaians is: “Do I get a green card immediately after approval?”

The answer is that the EB-3 visa is your entry ticket. Once you land in the U.S., you have to do an interview with the Immigration officer, here you will present your applications and credentials from the interview you conducted in Ghana.

Once your visa has been processed, you enter as a permanent resident. Your green card is then mailed to your U.S. address, usually within weeks.

This step confirms your new legal status: you are no longer a temporary worker but a lawful permanent resident.

What Rights You Gain with a Green Card

Holding a U.S. green card through the EB-3 program grants you important rights and benefits, including:

• Bring Your Family: Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 also receive green cards.

• Travel Flexibility: You can leave and re-enter the U.S. more easily than on a temporary visa.

• Access to Opportunities: Over time, permanent residents qualify for in-state tuition, credit, and home ownership opportunities.

Common Misconceptions

It’s important to clear up a few misunderstandings:

• Green Card vs. Citizenship: The EB-3 gives you permanent residency, not citizenship. However, after five years you may apply for naturalization.

• Employer Obligation: While you must begin by working for your sponsoring employer, your green card is tied to your status, not your job alone.

• Timelines: Processing times vary, but once you enter the U.S., the green card itself is issued quickly.

Long-Term Outlook

The EB-3 visa is a foundation, not the finish line. After five years as a permanent resident, you may qualify to become a U.S. citizen, unlocking full rights such as voting. For many Ghanaian families, this means long-term security, educational access for children, and the ability to build wealth across generations.

Conclusion

The EB-3 visa is one of the most powerful immigration pathways available to Ghanaians. It begins with a job offer but ends with something far greater: a U.S. green card and a permanent place in America. By understanding the process clearly, you can plan confidently for the future and ensure each step brings you closer to your American dream.

See how InvestMigrate can help you every step of the way on this journey here.