How to Get a U.S. Green Card from Ghana in 2025

For many Ghanaians, the dream of living and working in the United States is about building a secure future for yourself and your family. A U.S. green card makes that dream a reality, giving you the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently.

There are several ways to get a green card from Ghana, but not all paths are equally accessible. In this guide, we’ll outline the main options and explain why, for most Ghanaians, the EB-3 employment-based visa is the smartest and most achievable route in 2025.

Main U.S. Green Card Options for Ghanaians

While every applicant’s situation is unique, these are the four primary routes to a green card:

1. EB-3 Employment-Based Visa

This program allows you to obtain a green card through a U.S. employer who sponsors you for a permanent, full-time job. It’s open to skilled workers, professionals, and unskilled workers (requiring less than two years’ experience).

2. EB-5 Investor Visa

For individuals with substantial capital to invest—currently $800,000 USD in a targeted employment area or $1,050,000 USD elsewhere. Your investment must create at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

3. Family-Sponsored Green Cards

If you have close family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to petition for you. This process can be lengthy, especially for non-immediate relatives.

4. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

Ghana is eligible for the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery, but selection is purely random and demand is high. It’s free to enter but far from guaranteed.

Why the EB-3 Is the Best Path for Most Ghanaians

For most people in Ghana, the EB-3 visa offers the best balance of accessibility, affordability, and certainty.

1. Lower Financial Barrier

Unlike EB-5, you don’t need hundreds of thousands of dollars but only enough to cover government fees, legal costs, and relocation expenses.

2. Open to a Wide Range of Applicants

You can qualify even without a university degree. Many EB-3 roles are in industries like hospitality, food service, manufacturing, and healthcare support.

3. Direct Employment and Income

You arrive in the U.S. with a job, giving you immediate income and work experience.

4. Family Benefits

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included in your application. Your spouse can apply for work authorization, and your children can attend U.S. schools.

5. Predictable Process

While timelines vary, EB-3 applications follow a clear process without the luck factor of the DV Lottery.

EB-3 Process Overview for Ghanaians

The EB-3 application process involves these main stages:

1. Job Offer from a U.S. Employer – Your employer must be willing to offer you the job.

2. PERM Labor Certification – U.S. Department of Labor confirms there are no qualified American workers for the position.

3. I-140 Petition – Filed by your employer to USCIS.

4. National Visa Center Stage – Submission of forms and fees.

5. Embassy Interview in Accra – Final step before approval.

   
   

The entire process typically takes 2–4 years from start to finish for most Ghanaians.

Quick Comparison: Green Card Paths from Ghana

Path	Main Requirement	Cost	Timeline	Best For
EB-3	Job offer + employer sponsorship	Moderate	2–4 years	Skilled/unskilled workers seeking stability
EB-5	Capital investment ($800k–$1.05M)	High	2–5 years	High-net-worth individuals
Family-Sponsored	U.S. citizen or green card holder relative	Low	Varies (1–10+ years)	Those with immediate family in the U.S.
DV Lottery	Random selection	Low	1–2 years if selected	Those willing to try their luck

Final Thoughts

Getting a U.S. green card from Ghana is possible through several routes, but the EB-3 visa stands out as the most practical option for the majority of applicants. It’s affordable compared to EB-5, predictable compared to the lottery, and doesn’t depend on having relatives in the U.S.

If your goal is to secure permanent U.S. residency, start by exploring whether you qualify for EB-3. With the right guidance and preparation, you can take the first step toward a new life in America.