US Student Visas for Ghanaian Citizens
If you are a Ghanaian Citizen looking to study in the US then acquiring a US Student Visa is a key requirement to do so.
For assistance with your application, contact our team at Total Law who can guide you throughout the entire visa process. For more information, call us at +1 844 290 6312.
Overview of US Student Visa for Ghanaian Citizens
A US Student Visa is a family of nonimmigrant visas that enable international citizens to study in the US, although the exact visa that you need to apply for depends on the type of academic programme that you intend to study.
The three types of Student Visas available are the F Student Visa, the M Student Visa, and the J Exchange Visa.
A F Student Visa is required for enrollment in a US college or university to study English in an English language school, whereas an M Student Visa is needed for applicants who are applying for programmes that are vocational or non-academic in the US.
For those looking to enroll in an exchange programme at a university or college then the J Exchange Visa is required.
US Student Visa Requirements and Conditions for Ghanaian Citizens
To apply for a Student Visa, you will need to meet certain conditions and requirements depending on the visa you require.
F Visa Conditions and Requirements
To be eligible for an F Visa you will need:
- Full-time enrollment as a student.
- Have strong ties with Ghana:
- Ensure you have enough money to pay for your studies and living expenses while in the country.
- The ability to speak and understand English at the required level is needed to enrol in the program.
The documents required for an F Visa are:
- Valid passport
- Two recent passport photographs
- Evidence of F1 Visa payment
- Documents, such as bank statements from the last three years, tax records from the past three years, and pay slips to demonstrate you meet the financial requirements.
- Evidence of any scholarships that you have been awarded or a letter from your sponsor
- Proof of prior training and qualifications such as education certificates, academic transcripts or a letter from your employer.
M Student Visa Conditions and Requirements
To be eligible for an M-1 visa, you need to meet the following conditions:
- Enrolled full-time in a non-academic or vocational programme.
- Enrolled in English-language classes or possess a high degree of proficiency in the English language.
- Be able to support yourself financially.
- Have the SEVP approve your program.
To be granted an M Student Visa, the following documents need to be submitted:
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
- DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application.
- Valid passport
- Recent passport-style photograph.
- Proof of financial support such as a bank statement or scholarship letter.
- Evidence of proficiency in the English Language.
- Any other supporting paperwork that is requested.
J Exchange Visa Conditions and Requirements
The following conditions need to be met by J Exchange Visa applicants from Ghana:
- Proof of residency in Ghana.
- No plans to immigrate to the US after the exchange programme is finished.
- Be supported by a programme sponsor approved by the US government.
- Own sufficient funds to cover living expenses.
- Meet the programme’s standard for English language proficiency.
- Obtain health insurance that meets the US Department of State’s requirements.
- Comply with all programme requisites, such as finishing assignments on time.
- After the programme ends, return to Ghana for at least two years, unless eligible for a waiver.
The following paperwork must be submitted by each visa applicant:
- Valid Passport
- Recent passport-style photograph.
- Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application.
- Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.
- Evidence of adequate funding.
- Evidence of language proficiency in English.
- Any additional supporting records that their program sponsor may require.
Although there is no deadline for submitting a US Student Visa, applicants are advised to start and complete the application process as soon as possible. This ensures that your visa will be approved sooner, minimise any risks of delays, and give you more time to deal with any issues that may arise throughout the application process.
As soon as you are sent the Form I-20 letter, you should also apply for your visa immediately. Please also be aware that international students travelling with an F Visa are only allowed entry into the US up to 3- days prior to the start of their programme.
How to Apply for a US Student Visa
The first step in applying for a US Student Visa is to complete a Form DS-160 and submit it with payment of $185. Once this has been done you can arrange a visa interview at the US embassy in Accra.
Attending a US Student Visa Interview
You will be interviewed by a consular official to determine your eligibility for a Student Visa. To obtain the visa, you will need to prove that you fulfil the requirements set by US immigration law and submit biometric information, such as fingerprints.
The consular official may decide, during your interview, that your application needs additional administrative processing. If necessary, you will be informed by the consular officer.
Following the approval of your visa, you will have to arrange the return of your passport and visa and may have to pay a visa issuance change.
US Student Visa from Ghana Interview Tips
It is recommended that you prepare for the visa interview as it is a crucial part of the Student Visa application process. You should attend the interview alone, unless you are a minor.
It is likely you will be required to answer questions about your plans in the US and general questions about yourself, as well as how you intent to support dependents (if applicable).
You may need to demonstrate that your justifications for going back to Ghana outweigh your arguments for staying in the US in the long term.
Try to keep your answers short and to the point and view it as chance to demonstrate your proficiency as an English speaker.
The consulate officer will also want to see your supporting documents so be prepared to provide them and answer any queries.
US Student Visa Processing Times and Costs From Ghana
Depending on the volume of work at the US embassy or consulate in Ghana, the processing time for US Student Visas can vary. However, the processing time for your visa application could range from a few weeks to several months. As a result, it is advised that you should start your visa application as early as possible.
Generally speaking, you should begin the visa application procedure three months or more prior to the date of your intended trip. This will give you time to compile the necessary paperwork, send in your application, and set up or schedule an interview for a visa.
Each visa application fee for an F1 Student Visa is around $510 in total. This covers the cost of the visa application, SEVIS, visa issuance, and application service fees.
How can our lawyers at Total Law help you?
The process of applying for a US Student Visa can be difficult, and forgetting to include important details or supporting documentation can always occur.
If you are unsure about how to finish the visa application process, it is advisable to avoid the risks of applying alone as the repercussions of your application being denied can be significant. For example, refusals could affect future applications and require you to pay application costs again. As a result, contacting an immigration lawyer or consultant is recommended to ensure that your Student Visa application process is as easy as possible.
Our lawyers will check that you are fully eligible, ensure that your application is correct, and provide you with the communication and support that you need. As a result, you can be certain that your application is correct with the right supporting documents.
For more information on how we can help, contact Total Law at +1 844 290 6312 today or reach out via our online chat.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
The most popular type of US Student Visa is the F1 Visa. Although applying for an F1 Visa is relatively easy, it is a time-consuming process that can result in multiple issues if the application is unsuccessful.
The US Student Visa allows you to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer. You will need to get a work authorisation document from your Designated School Official (DSO) or your institution’s online portal to work on-campus.
Consular services officials can now grant a F or M Student Visa for up to 365 days prior to the start date of an international student’’s program.
