Welcome to the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Section!

The following provides information on visa requirements for travelers to the United States who wish to visit, work or study for a temporary period.   The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your travel.

Method of Application

With limited exceptions, nonimmigrant visa applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to schedule an appointment for an interview with a U.S. consular officer.   As of April 1, 2010, all applicants must use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to apply. We will accept the new CEAC form before that date.

Applicants must book appointments via our on-line system. Appointments are added every work day at different times throughout the day; please check back often.  However, during peak travel times, such as during summer holiday travel, the wait time may vary.  We strongly encourage applicants to begin the application process well in advance of their desired travel dates.  This will ensure that we have plenty of time to conduct your interview, review your application, and determine whether we can issue a visa.   Learn more about current NIV appointment wait time.

In rare cases, expedited interviews can be obtained for circumstances related to medical and humanitarian emergencies.  First time, applicants for O and P visas (petition-based visas), and crew members (C1/D visa) are required to make online appointments.

The U.S. Embassy in Accra no longer accepts walk-in appointments.

Processing Times

There is no same day delivery of visas. Most visas are available in two (2) business days, but occasionally additional time for processing may be required due to the need for special clearances, incomplete applications, and fraud investigations.   As such, please schedule your appointment as soon as your travel plans are made and as far in advance as possible.  Processing Time Disclaimer:  The listed processing times are averages, and that the timing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.

Learn more about Appointment Availability and Processing Times.