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Ghana to the U.S. on an EB-3 Visa: What the 2025 Journey Looks Like

  • Writer: Joshua Godin
    Joshua Godin
  • Jul 24
  • 3 min read

Over the last few years, more people from Ghana, especially working-class professionals and families, have quietly started applying for EB-3 employment-based green cards.


Why? Because the EB-3 visa offers something other routes don’t: a direct, legal path to permanent U.S. residency through a job.


No lottery. No need for a U.S. relative. Just a job offer, the right documentation, and patience.

If you're wondering what this journey actually looks like from Ghana in 2025, this guide breaks it down—step by step.

People at a citizenship ceremony in the United States

What Is the EB-3 Visa—and Who Qualifies?

The EB-3 visa is a U.S. green card based on employment. There are three subcategories, but most Ghanaians apply through the "unskilled" worker route, which requires:

  • A full-time job offer from a U.S. employer

  • Willingness to work in roles like food service, cleaning, or warehousing

  • Basic English and a clean background

  • No degree or professional license required


With this visa, you don’t just go to the U.S. temporarily, you move there permanently, with your spouse and children eligible too.


Step-by-Step: The EB-3 Journey from Ghana in 2025

Here’s what the real process looks like this year:

1. Job Matching & Pre-Screening

  • You complete a background and eligibility assessment with a consultant

  • Your profile is matched to a U.S. employer who has pre-approved EB-3 roles

  • Once selected, you sign a job offer and the process officially begins


2. PERM Labor Certification (6–12 months)

  • The U.S. employer applies for labor certification to prove no Americans are available for the role

  • This is submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor


3. I-140 Petition (2–4 months)

  • Once PERM is approved, the employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)

  • You are now “in line” for your green card


4. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing (2–3 months)

  • Your case is transferred to the U.S. State Department

  • You pay fees, submit civil documents, and complete DS-260 (online immigrant visa form)


5. Embassy Interview Preparation

  • You’ll attend your interview at the U.S. Embassy in Accra

  • You must complete a medical exam beforehand with the approved panel physician

  • You bring your documents, attend the interview, and wait for your visa approval


6. U.S. Arrival and Work

  • Once approved, you fly to the U.S.

  • You receive your green card shortly after arrival and begin work with your sponsor employer

  • Your spouse and children (under 21) may join you with green cards as well


Local Realities: What’s Unique for Ghanaians?

Ghanaians face a few country-specific steps that matter:

  • Embassy Processing: All EB-3 interviews happen at the U.S. Embassy in Accra—appointments can book out weeks in advance

  • Police Certificate: Issued through the CID Headquarters in Accra. Start early.

  • Medical Exams: Must be done with the U.S.-approved panel doctor in Accra (not just any clinic)

  • School Records: BECE and WASSCE are standard but make sure names match your passport exactly

  • Affidavits: Name or date inconsistencies must be legally explained through court affidavits


Your consultant should walk you through these steps carefully. Accuracy matters.


What Surprises Most Applicants

We’ve seen firsthand what catches Ghanaians off guard:

  • The timeline – The full process can take 18–36 months. Many factors influence the timeline.

  • Document stress – Small inconsistencies (like a different surname on school records) can delay your case

  • The seriousness of the interview – The U.S. doesn’t tolerate dishonesty or false documents

  • Post-arrival expectations – You must complete your job contract before moving on to something else


But the biggest surprise? It consistently works. And many Ghanaians don’t realize how close they are to a U.S. green card until they take that first step.


Real Motivation: Why Ghanaians Are Choosing EB-3

It’s not just about work. Most of our Ghanaian clients say they’re applying for the EB-3 because they want:

  • A better life for their children

  • Freedom to live and work in the U.S. without restrictions

  • The ability to own property, open a business, and retire with options

  • Safety, structure, and opportunity


This visa is a long-term investment in your family’s future.


Work with Us

The EB-3 process can seem overwhelming at first. But for those who plan ahead, ask questions, and work with a trusted consultant, it’s an achievable, life-changing journey.


At InvestMigrate, we’ve helped applicants from Ghana navigate every phase—from job matching to their first day in the U.S.

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