F1 Visa for Ghanaian Citizens
The F1 Visa for Ghanaian citizens allows students who want to study in the US at a qualifying university, language academy, college, high school or other academic institution.
If you would like more information about the F1 Student Visa for Ghanaians call us on +1 844 290 6312. Total Law is here to help you in person, by email or over the telephone.
What is an F1 Visa?
Ghanaian citizens who want to study in America on a full-time educational course to live and study in the US should apply for an F1 Visa. Any academic course must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate at an academic institution that has been authorised by the US government to accept Ghanaian and other international students.
As the F1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa, the time spent in the US under the visa does not count towards the permanent residency in the US criteria.
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Applying for an F1 Visa from Ghana
Applying for a F1 Visa can be a complicated process and it is important to complete all forms correctly as well as provide sufficient paperwork. Otherwise, you risk your visa application being refused or delayed.
You must demonstrate that you have strong ties to Ghana and that you plan to return to the country once you have completed your studies.
You will need to provide the following documents and they must be translated into English if they are originally in another language.
- Form I-20 – this is issued by the US school you plan to attend.
- Proof of financial support
- Evidence of intent to return to Ghana such as property title, family ties etc
- Medical examination and vaccination records. These must be provided by an authorised doctor.
- Police certificate showing you have no criminal record
- Language proficiency test scores if not studying an appropriate course during your time in the US
- F2 application if you plan to bring dependents to the US
If you need more clarification on any of the paperwork you require, or how to get it, then call us, TotalLaw on +1 844 290 6312 and we can help you with any questions or advice you need. You can also contact us by email or online.
What Financial Support is Needed For A F1 Visa?
Student Visa applicants must prove that they have enough money to pay for their studies and support themselves while in the US.
Costs can range from $48,000 (USD) depending on your living expenses and the cost of your course if you are a graduate and $52,000 (USD) if you are an undergraduate. For an F1 Visa, the amount you need in your bank account is likely to be around $10,000. Applicants will need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds via bank records, a scholarship or sponsorship letter.
How Much Does A F1 Visa Cost?
The visa application fee for the F1 Visa is $185.00. Then there is another payment called a SEVIS fee which you pay before your interview, to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This is the sum of $350. The fees can be paid online, or at a visa application centre in Accra, Ghana.
Other fees such as the cost of a medical examination or document translation must also be factoring in when applying for a F1 Visa from Ghana.
Attending A F1 Visa Interview
Most Ghanaian applicants will be required to attend an interview. Although waivers are in place for applicants who have previously been issued with a US Visa, this is not usually an option for first time applicants.
You will be notified well in advance of your Student Visa interview by the consular section and the National Visa Center so you can prepare. You should ensure you take all necessary documents with you to the appointment.
During the interview, you will be asked a range of questions about your circumstances and plans in the US.
Some questions will require you to give personal information such as your date of birth, marital status and nationality, as well as provide information about medical conditions and plans to return to Ghana after completing your course.
Questions may also ask about study plans such as what subject you will cover. You might also be asked if you have a scholarship and the date you intend to enrol.
The interviewer will also need to know that you can support yourself in the US during your studies. If you are being supported by someone else you’ll be asked who they are and how they will support you.
You might also be asked questions about your plans for the future such as you want to work in the US after your studies and if you intend to apply for a permanent residency with an immigrant visa in the future.
How Long Does It Take to Recieve a F1 Visa?
The F1 Visa processing time for applicants can take up to 3 months to process a visa so you should apply in plenty of time. However, added to this period is the wait for the interview date in Accra, Ghana. The wait time as of early 2025 stands at 80 days. That means the whole F1 Visa application process can take around 5 to 6 months to complete.
Going through the visa application paperwork can be overwhelming. If you want help organising your paperwork so that you’re certain everything is how your F1 Visa checklist should be, call us, Total Law at +1 844 290 6312 and we can help you with any questions or advice you need.
Can I Work With a F1 Visa?
You are permitted to work with a FI Visa but there are some restrictions. The job role must be on campus and not deplace a US citizen from employment. Visa holders may also be subject to a term-time limit to hours. Other employment options also include vocational training for up to 12 months or you can work off-campus if it is part of your degree course.
It is advisable to seek advice from an immigration specialist before committing to any work as breaching your visa conditions can have serious consequences.
Bringing Family With You On An F1 Visa
You can bring your dependents with you on an F1 Visa as long as you can demonstrate that you can support them financially during your stay in the US. You can either apply for them to come with you as part of your F1 Visa process or you can apply once you have begun your studies in the US. Family members will come to the US on a F2 Visa.
You will need to show that you can financially support your family members. You will have to show that you have at least $7,650 (USD) per annum to support your spouse and $7,650 (USD) for one child or $15,300 for two. For any additional children, you will need to show you have $5,900 per child.
How can Total Law Help?
Thousands of Ghanaian citizens apply for F1 Visas each year. If you have completed your application forms correctly you will have minimum delays and your application is more likely to succeed if you fit the criteria.
The easiest way to make sure your application is processed without problems is to use Total
Law’s immigration service.
Working with us will ensure your application provides the immigration authorities with all the answers to their questions, limiting delays and frustration.
You can talk to us by phone at +1 844 290 6312 and we can help you with any questions or advice you need. You can also contact us by email or online.
Advice Package
Get clear, expert advice on your visa options, eligibility and application before you commit to applying.
Application Package
Let our immigration lawyers prepare, check and manage your application so you can apply with confidence.
Fast Track Package
Need to apply quickly? Get priority handling by our immigration lawyers from preparation to submission.
Appeal Package
Been refused or received an unfavourable decision? Get expert legal help to challenge it or determine your next step.
The Advice Package
During this Advice Session, an immigration lawyer will assess your circumstances, explain your options and tell you what you need to do to make a strong application.
We review your circumstances, explain the relevant requirements, identify potential problems or refusal risks, and advise you on the evidence and next steps.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will assess your case, prepare your application, check your supporting documents and submit your forms on your behalf.
We check your application for missing information, inconsistencies and potential issues before submission, helping you avoid common mistakes that could affect your case.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package gives your case priority with our immigration lawyers, helping you get your application prepared, checked and submitted as quickly as possible.
Your case receives priority handling, including accelerated document reviews, application preparation, communication with your caseworker and submission support.
The Appeal Package
Our immigration lawyers will review the decision, explain why it was refused and advise on the strongest option available to you, including an appeal, review or fresh application where appropriate.
We will examine the reasons for refusal, identify weaknesses or errors, assess your available options and provide the legal support and representation your case requires.
Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
This fee is payable before you have your interview. You pay the fee at the Visa Application Centre in Accra. The cost is $350.
An F1 Visa is for students only and does not lead to permanent residency. However, if you receive employer sponsorship after your studies have been completed or you are a person of extraordinary ability it may be possible to apply for the revelant Green Card route.
