How to Apply for UK visa in Ghana
Ghanaian citizens who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for a UK visa. Our immigration lawyers at Total Law can provide comprehensive support for your visa applications.
For more information about the UK embassy in Ghana visa requirements, required documents, and the application process, call our expert immigration lawyers at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or message us online.
UK Visa Requirements for Ghanaians
Overview
Here are some of the visas that Ghanains can apply for:
| Visa | Description |
| Student Visa | For Ghanaians who want to study in the UK and have an offer from a UK institution |
| Skilled Worker Visa | For Ghanaians who have a skilled job offer with an eligible UK employer paying over £41,700 or the going rate for the job you’re doing |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | You can apply for this visa if you are a medical professional with a job offer from the NHS |
| Global Talent Visa | Apply for this visa if you work in the arts, digital technology or sciences and if you’re endorsed as a leader or potential leader with exceptional ability in your field |
| UK Standard Visitor Visa | This is for Ghanaians who want to visit the UK for tourism or business and stay for up to six months. |
| Seasonal Worker Visa | You can work in horticulture or poultry for up to 6 months in the UK on this visa |
| Family Visa | You can apply for this visa to live with your immediate family in the UK. Your family member must be a British or Irish citizen or have settled status in the UK. |
| Dependant Visa | A Dependant Visa is used to join a family member on another visa (Skilled Worker/Student visa) in the UK |
Below are the visa requirements for each UK visa for Ghanaians:
Student Visa
To be eligible for a UK Student visa, you must:
- Have an offer from an eligible school or education provider in the UK
- Prove that you can read, speak, write, and understand English
- You must be at least 18. If you are 16 or 17, you must show your parents’ consent to move to the UK
- Show you have paid the tuition fee for your course or at least have the funds to do so
- Show that you have enough money to live in the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa
Ghanaians who want to apply for a Skilled Worker visa must:
- Have an offer from an approved employer in the UK
- Get a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from the approved employer. The COS must contain all the information about the job you are going to do in the UK
- Have a job that is on the list of eligible occupations
- Be paid at least £41,700 yearly or the going rate for the job you are doing
- Be able to speak, write, read, and understand English
- Show that you have enough money for living expenses in the UK. You need more if you’re moving to the UK with your family
Health and Care Worker Visa
To apply for the Health and Care Worker visa, you must:
- Be a qualified nurse, doctor, health practitioner, or adult social care professional
- Have a job offer in a social care or healthcare sector
- Have an employer that is approved to sponsor employees from abroad
- Have obtained a certificate of sponsorship from your prospective employer
- Be paid at least £29,000 per year, or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher
- Know how to speak, read, write, and understand English
- Have an employer registered with the Care Quality Commission., if you offer adult social care services
- Have a role sponsored under the NHS or an NHS supplier
- Prove you have enough money to care for yourself for one month in the UK
Global Talent Visa
To obtain a Global Talent visa, you must meet one of these two criteria:
- Win an eligible award, such as an Academy Award, Grammy, or BAFTA. The Home Office website has a full list of awards
- Get endorsed by any of the 6 endorsing bodies in the UK: the UK Research and Innovation(UKRI), Arts Council England, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society, Tech Nation, and the British Academy. To get endorsed by any of these bodies, you need to prove you have exceptional ability
UK Standard Visitor Visa
The UK Standard Visitor visa is for Ghanaians visiting the UK for business, tourism or short-term study. To be eligible for this visa, you must:
- Have a passport with validity extending beyond your intended stay in the UK
- Prove that you will return to Ghana at your trip’s end
- Provide evidence that you can pay for your trip and support any minor travelling with you. Your host can show the Home Office this evidence on your behalf
- Show that you can pay for your transportation to and from the UK
- Prove that you don’t intend to visit the UK frequently
- Provide evidence that the reason for your trip to the UK is genuine
Seasonal Worker Visa
Ghanaians who wish to apply for a Seasonal Worker visa must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a job offer from a Home Office-approved employer
- The job you are going to do must be temporary or seasonal
- Your work must be in horticulture or poultry farming
- You must have submitted your application for poultry farming by the 15th of November
- Your employer must issue you CoS
- You must be at least 18 before applying
- You must show you have at least £1,270
- Your employer must be paying you the minimum wage
Family Visa
To apply for a Family visa, you must meet the requirements below:
- Your family member must be a UK national or have settled status
- You can join a partner, spouse, civil partner, child, parent, fiancé(e), or relative who will care for you
- You and your partner must show you earn at least £29,000 in 1 year
- You and your partner or spouse must be at least 18
- You must prove your relationship by presenting a birth or marriage certificate
- Joint bank statements or utility bills from the same address can also be used
- You must show you understand the English language
- You must prove that you intend to get married to a UK national within 6 months of entering the UK if you are applying as a fiancé(e)
Dependant Visa
Some UK visas permit you to move from Ghana to the UK with your family(spouse and children). Below are the requirements for a Dependant visa:
- Your partner must hold a visa that allows dependents, such as a Skilled Worker or Student visa (PhD or Master by research)
- You must prove that you have been married or living with your partner for at least 2 years
- You must prove your children are under your care except if they are in boarding school or university
- You must show that you or your partner, the principal applicant, have enough money for living expenses in the UK
How to Apply for UK Visa in Ghana
Here are the steps for applying for a UK visa from Ghana:
Confirm You Meet Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for any visa, confirm you meet the criteria for that visa to avoid denials. If you are unsure about the requirements for the visa you wish to apply for, call us at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or message us online. We can assist you in the visa process from start to finish.
Gather Supporting Documents
Gather all supporting documents before starting your application. Below are the supporting documents for each visa type mentioned above.
Student Visa
- ECOWAS passport to prove your identity
- Offer letter from the UK institution
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies(CAS) from your school
- Bank statements showing you have enough money for your UK living expenses
- Evidence of work history if you are going for postgraduate study
- Proof that you can understand and communicate in English
- Evidence your parents or guardian consented to your coming to the UK for studies if you are below 18
- Evidence of your relationship to your parents or guardian
- ID cards of your parents or guardian
- Proof you have paid your tuition fee
- Tuberculosis test results
Skilled Worker Visa
- ECOWAS passport to prove your nationality and identity
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number
- Evidence you understand and can communicate in English. This can be test scores from any of the Secured English Language Tests(SELT) or an Ecctis-verified certificate
- Job offer showing your title, salary and occupation code
- Bank statements showing you can support yourself and your family in the UK. The employer can opt to support you
- Birth or marriage certificates if you are applying with your family
- Police character certificate from any country you have lived in for the past 10 years
- Evidence you have paid the visa fees
- Resume showing you are qualified for the job you are coming to do
Health and Care Worker Visa
- Tuberculosis test results
- Bank statements to show you can pay for your living expenses
- ECOWAS passport to prove your identity and nationality
- Police character certificate from every country you have lived in for the past 10 years
- Evidence that you can understand the English language
- Certificate of sponsorship reference number
- Details of your employer
- Job offer showing your title, salary and occupation code
Global Talent Visa
- ECOWAS passport to prove your nationality and identity
- Tuberculosis test result
- Letter from any agency that awarded you a scholarship, if it applies
- Birth and marriage certificates if you are applying with your partner and children
- Proof of job offer as a researcher or academic
- Evidence that you are a fellow
- Proof of research grant sponsored by the UKRI
- Proof you have paid the visa fees
- Evidence that you have been endorsed by any of the 6 endorsing bodies in the UK
Visitor Visa
- Application letter with dates you intend to travel to the UK and back
- ECOWAS passport to prove your identity and nationality
- Bank statement showing you how much you earn annually
- Tuberculosis test results
- Invitation letter from someone or an organisation inviting you for business or tourism
- Evidence that you have a place to stay in the UK
- Proof that your reason for visiting the UK is genuine
- Birth certificates of the children travelling with you
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as property deeds, marriage or birth certificates showing you have a family to return to, an admission letter from school, an employment letter, or proof of business registration in Ghana
Seasonal Worker Visa
- ECOWAS passport to prove your nationality and identity
- Certificate of sponsorship from your employer
- Proof you have enough money to support yourself while working in the UK
- Shoe evidence that you are qualified for the work you are coming to do
Family Visa
- Tuberculosis test result
- Proof that you or the UK-based family member meets the income requirement for the visa
- Evidence that you are related to a UK-based family member, like birth or marriage certificates, utility bills, joint bank accounts, or proof of financial support.
- Completed sponsorship form if you are moving to the UK to be cared for by a family member
- Details of all marriages, even if they have ended
- Information about all your children, whether they are applying with you or not
- Details of all countries you have visited or lived in
- Information about all family members in Ghana
- Valid passport to prove your identity and nationality
- Evidence of your knowledge of the English language. This can be the valid result of a Secure English Language Test or an academic qualification. You are exempt from showing this document if you are a dependent adult, mentally or physically impaired, a child, or above the age of 65
- Evidence your family member has UK citizenship or settled status
Dependant Visa
- Marriage certificate to prove your relationship with the main applicant. If you are not married to them, show that you have been in a relationship with them for at least 2 years by presenting proof of communication, financial support, or joint responsibility over any child you have together
- Birth certificate showing that you are the child of the main applicant
- Evidence that you or the main applicant can financially support you during your stay
- Family linking code or Unique Application Number of the main applicant
- ECOWAS passport to prove nationality and identity
- Tuberculosis test results
- Evidence of visa fee payment
Get Tested for Tuberculosis
You can get tested for tuberculosis in the following Home Office-approved test centres in Ghana:
| Akai House Clinic No. 1, Sixth Circular Road Cantonments Accra Ghana | UN-IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre No. 22 Odoi Kwao Street Airport Residential Area Accra Ghana |
| Wellness Ghana Limited 1 Celebes Street Sakumono Accra Ghana | Wellness Ghana LimitedNo. 36 Blk 2, Hudson Road Asokwa Residential Area Kumasi Ghana |
| UN-IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre Dr. Osei Tuffour Bypass Santasi Roundabout Kumasi Ghana (former Marbon Hotel, opposite Melcom Mall) | To get tested in these centres, you must:
You’ll usually get the result of your test on the same day. |
Apply Online
All visa applications to the UK are made online through the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration (UKVI) website. To start your application, you must create a UKVI account with your email address and phone number.
Select the UK visa you want to apply for and fill out the application form. Ensure every detail you add in the form is correct and genuine. The details on the form must match those on your supporting documents. Mistakes or discrepancies in your form and supporting documents can cause delays in processing time and even a visa denial.
When discovered, document forgery will result in a visa denial and a ban on entering the UK. All your identity documents must be valid. Your application will be rejected if you apply for a visa with a passport nearing expiry.
Pay the Visa Fees
After completing the form, you’ll be directed to a secure page where you will pay the associated visa fees. The fees must also be paid online.
Schedule a Biometric Submission Appointment
After paying the fees and submitting your application, you will be redirected to schedule a biometric submission appointment with VFSGlobal.
Processing Time
The UKVI processes visa applications in 3 weeks or 15 working days. However, it can sometimes take longer if the UKVI receives a high application volume. You can pay to get a faster decision on your application.
UK Visa Application Centre in Accra
After paying your visa fees on the UKVI website, you will be automatically redirected to VFS Global’s website to book an appointment. You must choose between uploading your documents online or using the document scanning service when you get to the application centre. You can select premium service to get a faster service and access to a lounge while waiting for your turn.
After completing the booking form, you’ll be redirected to another page to pay for the selected service. Keep to time when going to your appointment to avoid being rescheduled. You must attend the appointment in person. A sibling, spouse, or agent cannot attend the appointment on your behalf.
The visa application centre is located at:
VFS GHANA PRIVATE LIMITED
Mezzanine Floor, The Grand Oyeeman,
South Liberation Link, Airport – Accra.
Go to the application centre with your:
- Application confirmation letter
- ECOWAS passport
- Identity card
- Documents checklist
- Supporting documents
Here’s the process you’ll go through at the application centre:
- You must show your application confirmation letter proving your appointment is that day and time
- Your documents will be checked against the document checklist
- If you choose the document scanning service, you’ll be directed to an officer who will scan and upload your documents and return them to you
- You’ll be required to choose a passport pick-up method. You can have VFS Global return it via courier or pick it up yourself. If you select the courier service, you’ll have to pay for it. If you choose to pick it up yourself, you’ll need a valid ID card to prove you’re the passport owner when you come to pick it up
- Lastly, your passport, fingerprints, and photo will be collected
You are not permitted to enter the application centre with any digital device that cannot be turned off.
UK Visa Fees in Ghana
Overview
| Visa | Fee |
| Student visa | £558 |
| Skilled Worker visa | £819 |
| Health and Care Worker visa | £324 |
| Global Talent visa | £205 |
| Standard Visitor visa | £135 |
| Family visa | £1,938 |
| Seasonal Worker visa | £340 |
| Dependant Visa | £1,618 |
Immigration Health Surcharge
If you will stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you must pay the immigration health surcharge. This fee is paid together with the visa fee. You and your family member must each pay this fee. The costs are calculated yearly, so if you apply for a 2-year visa, you’ll need to pay the fee for 2 years. The table below shows the cost of the healthcare surcharge per year by visa type.
| Visa Type | IHS Fee |
| Study visa and dependants | £776 |
| Under-18 applicants | £776 |
| Other visas | £1035 |
Expedited Services
You can pay to get a faster decision on your application:
| Service | Processing Time | Fee |
| Priority Service | 5 working days | £500 |
| Super Priority Service | 2 working days if you submitted on a weekend or holiday or the next working day if you submitted on a weekday. | £1000 |
What to Do If Your UK Visa Application from Ghana is Refused
If your application is refused, you’ll be told what your options are in the UKVI email. Generally, below are your options in case of a refusal:
Administrative Reviews
If you are sure the caseworker did not evaluate your application correctly, you can apply for an administrative review.
Refusal Appeal
You can file an appeal against UKVI’s decision if they made the error that led to the visa refusal. You will only present the documents you submitted initially and not add new ones. This is a rigorous process; in most cases, the UKVI does not give this option.
You can also file an appeal if the decision breaks human rights laws or separates families.
Reapply
Lastly, you can reapply. However, you should only do so after you have corrected the mistakes that led to the rejection.
Common Refusal Reasons and How to Address Them
Applying for the Wrong Visa: Double-check your application before submitting it. If you are unsure of the exact visa you should apply for, our lawyers at Total Law can help.
Incomplete Supporting Documents: Your documents prove that you are eligible for the visa you are applying for. If they are incomplete, you may get a rejection. Use the document checklist in this article to gather your documents.
Insufficient Bank Balance: Ensure the bank balance you submitted is enough to prove your financial means. Use Oanda, an online currency converter, to ensure your balance aligns with the current rates. It is good practice to have more money in your account than is required to account for inflation. Your bank balance will be checked against the exchange rate on the day you submitted your application.
Incomplete or Misleading Information: If the UKVI finds your information is false, you may be banned from entering the UK and have your visa rejected. So, ensure all information you add is complete and genuine.
False Documents: The UKVI verifies the documents you use for your visa application. Avoid submitting forged documents. Apply when you have the proper documents.
How Can Total Law Help You Apply for a UK Visa from Ghana?
At Total Law, we have experienced immigration lawyers who can simplify the visa application process. They can provide all the support you need to apply for a visa from Ghana. Some of the services we offer include:
Document Checking: Our team of lawyers will access the documents you present to ensure they meet the visa requirements you wish to apply for.
Application Package: We don’t just check your documents; we can also help you gather them, advise you on the best immigration route, and make the application on your behalf.
Relocation Support: If your visa is approved, we can help move you and your family to the UK so you can settle seamlessly.
For more information about what we do and how we can help with your application, call us at +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or message us online.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is easy to obtain a UK visit visa from Ghana. You will get a visa if you submit the correct documentation and meet all the eligibility requirements.
The UKVI usually takes 3 weeks to decide on a visa application. You can speed up the process by applying for an expedited service.
Application fees are nonrefundable as they are the funds used to process your application. However, your immigration health surcharge may be refunded.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.