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Nonimmigrant Visas

How Do I Apply?  A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1:  Pay your Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee at Standard Chartered Bank.  There are two Standard Chartered Bank locations in Ghana; in Accra, it is located at Liberia Road and in Kumasi, it is located at Harper Road.  Note:  MRV receipts are only valid for one year—you must appear for your interview within a year of your MRV receipt date. 

Step 2:  Fill out your DS-156 form and any supplemental forms online.  You must fill out your nonimmigrant visa application on a computer.  Hand written applications or applications typed on a typewriter are not acceptable.  All male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 must also fill out and submit a DS-157 form.  Student visa applicants must also fill out the DS-158. 

Step 3:  Schedule an appointment online.  NOTE: Only one (1) appointment per person is allowed.  If you schedule more than one (1) appointment, the system will cancel all your appointments without notice.  Each individual applicant (including children) must have a separate appointment.  

Step 4:  Gather the required documents:

  • The completed application forms
  • The original Standard Chartered MRV receipt
  • A passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended stay in the United States
  • All previous U.S. visas, even if expired
  • Your appointment confirmation sheet, and
  • A recent 2”x 2” photo (link to Photo Specifications) with a white background (taken within the past six (6) months).

NOTE:  Applicants are expected to arrive with all application materials and required documents or they will not be interviewed.  Applicants with incomplete materials may be turned away and required to reschedule a new online appointment date. 

Step 5:  Appear at the Consular Section for your interview fully prepared.   Applicants should arrive at the Consular Section, no sooner than 30 minutes before the appointment time.   All persons and property entering the U.S.  Embassy Compound are subject to search for security purposes.  

  • Weapons or any item that may be used as a weapon,
  • all electronic devices,
  • any liquids and/or flammable items (including cigarette lighters and matches)

are not allowed in the U.S. Embassy Compound, so please leave such items at home.   After inspection, mobile telephones may be checked at the door of the Consular Section, but may not be brought inside.   At the interview, the primary applicant will be the only person allowed into the building, except in the case of minor children (age 17 and under).   Parents or guardians are advised to accompany a minor child.  All applicants (regardless of age) are expected to appear for their interview.  However, if the child is not present, only the parent or legal guardian can apply on the child’s behalf.  Please bring proof of relationship or legal guardianship such as an original birth certificate or court document.  

Step 6:  Most applicants will be told immediately following the interview whether or not they will be granted a visa.  Successful applicants will be told to return usually in two (2) business days to collect their passport.

Immigration and Travel Information

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