Non-Immigrant Visa Application
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 19 Fifth Link Rd. Cantonments, Accra. Email: consulateaccra@state.gov
How can I schedule an appointment for a visa
interview?
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to
begin the application process |
What
should I do if I lost my appointment password?
Use your original receipt from Standard Chartered bank and schedule
a new appointment for yourself. The Consulate cannot supply you with
your password.
How can I change my appointment date/time?
You may change or cancel your appointment any time, by going to the
appointment page, online, using
the identification code and password you received on your appointment
confirmation page.
Do my children need to appear in person for
the visa interview?
Children under 14 years of age need not appear in person for the interview.
However, if adults are applying for visas and at the same time seek
visas for their child(ren) under age 14 then appointments must be made
for both the parent(s) and the child(ren).
What should I bring with me to the visa interview?
No more than 30 minutes before your scheduled interview date and time,
please bring the completed application forms, a valid passport, 2 current
ID size photos on a white background, and any supporting documents you
might need.
Documents to Consider Bringing (Please note that the documents
listed below are only suggestions. Visa applicants must demonstrate
to the satisfaction of the Consular Officer, their qualifications for
the visa.)
1. Visitors for Pleasure (Tourists)
- Documents explaining the purpose of your trip: You must be
able to demonstrate that there is a legitimate reason for your travel,
that the expense of your travel is reasonable given your economic circumstances,
and that your circumstances and experience correspond with your proposed
purpose of travel.
-Documents showing financial ties to Ghana: Job letters; pay
slips detailing your salary. Bank statements sometimes are helpful.
Other evidence of financial holdings may be helpful. You need to show
that you can afford the trip, and that your financial ties are sufficient
to compel you back to Ghana after your visit. In the absence of strong
financial ties, you may need to demonstrate exceptionally strong family
and social ties.
- Documents explaining your family ties to Ghana: Marriage certificate,
birth certificates of your children, or evidence of your spouse's employment.
- Documents explaining your social ties to Ghana: This may be
a letter or certificate proving membership in an organization, such
as a club or church. Perhaps you can provide proof that you are a community
leader who can only be away from Ghana for a temporary period of time.
2. Visitors for Business
- The same documents suggested above.
- Proof that you will engage in a legitimate business activity in the
U.S. that is temporary in nature;
- Proof that you have the funds necessary to pay for the trip and to
make any intended purchases while there;
- Proof that your presence is required in the U.S. to complete or maintain
your business.
3. Visitors for Educational Purposes (Students)
- The same documents suggested above.
- The original Form I-20 issued by the school you wish to attend (required);
- Transcripts from the last school you attended in Ghana and/or your
degree or diploma showing that you have completed your studies in Ghana;
- Proof that you or your sponsor can afford to pay for your education
in the U.S. (you must show funds available to pay for the first year
of study and demonstrate an ability to acquire funds to pay for all
subsequent years of study). Details of any scholarship, fellowship,
or work-study you have been awarded by the school in the United States.
What is necessary to qualify for a U.S. visitor
visa?
When applying for visas for tourism, business, or study, you will be
required to demonstrate that your travel is for legitimate purposes,
that you can support yourself, and that you would return to Ghana without
violating the conditions of a visa.
IMPORTANT: Please do NOT send any documents to us by mail, fax or e-mail,
and do NOT have other people (your sponsor, for example) send documents
directly to us. You may bring any documents you would like with you
to the interview, but do NOT send us documents ahead of time.
Why was I refused a U.S. visa?
Please refer to the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/denials/denials_1361.html
Where is Consulate Accra located?
Our office is located at No. 19, Fifth Link Road, Cantonments, near the Dubois Center.
How can I contact Consulate Accra?
The best way to contact the Consular Section is via e-mail at consulateaccra@state.gov.
Please note the nature of your request in the subject line of your email:
For questions on visitor visas, please write NIV.
For immigrant visa questions, please write IV.
For questions pertaining to American Citizens
in Ghana, please write ACS.
Useful Links
For visa information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
For visa overview, go to Destination USA http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/index.html
For the U.S. Department of State homepage, go to http://www.state.gov/
For information on the United States, go to USInfo.state.gov
For the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) homepage, go to http://www.dhs.gov
For DHS USCIS, go to http://uscis.gov
For DHS- US-VISIT, go to http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/content_multi_image_0006.shtm
For DHS- CBP, go to http://cbp.gov/ -
For First Gov Website, go to : http://www.usa.gov/
