For Ghanaians seeking to travel to the U.S., the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy recently started a new electronic application and appointment system. This new process promises to reduce the five-month waiting period for an interview, and make scheduling and rescheduling appointments easier for applicants.

To both fill out the application and book appointment online, go to the U.S. Embassy website at:

1. http://usembassy.state.gov/accra/wwwhvisa.html
2. Follow the steps.

Note:

Applicants may only book one appointment at a time.
Each applicant, including children, must have a separate appointment and individual application forms.
Appointments can be changed at any time, online, using Personal Number.

Applicants must still go to Standard Chartered Bank and pay the application fee. However, the applicant MUST tell the bank that they will book their appointment online. The bank will give the applicant a receipt but will NOT schedule an appointment.

On the day of the interview, applicant must arrive no more than 30 minutes before appointment time.

Applicant must bring:

Passport, valid for at least six months logner than planned trip
Electronically generated Form DS 156 (three pages)
Form DS 157 for men aged 16 to 45
Form DS 158 for all students
Receipt from Standard Chartered Bank for the Application Fee
Personal documents to support the application for visa