If you’re thinking about making a move from Ghana to the UK, you’ll need to start by applying for a visa that matches your purpose for immigration. Whether it’s for work, study, or joining family, each visa type has its own set of eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet.

Immigrating to the UK from Ghana: A Brief Overview

Ghanaians come to the UK for a variety of reasons—tourism, education, work, or to join family members already living there. In 2022, over 3,700 study visas were issued to Ghanaians, and more than 17,000 visitor visas were granted to those wanting to explore the UK. As of 2019, around 113,000 Ghanaians were settled permanently in the UK.

The UK’s appeal lies in several factors. First, the English language, being the official language of Ghana, makes integration smoother. Additionally, the UK offers a world-class education system and a diverse labor market, attracting many Ghanaians. Thankfully, the visa application process for the UK is fairly straightforward.

Visas and Residency Options for Ghanaians

Here’s a look at some of the visa options available to Ghanaian citizens wanting to move to the UK:

UK Visitor Visa

If you’re looking to visit the UK, you can apply for a UK Visitor Visa, which allows you to stay for up to 180 days. This visa permits you to:

• Attend religious or business meetings.
• Spend time with family or friends in the UK.
• Receive medical treatment.
• Study a short course.
• Tour the UK.
• Conduct research during a sabbatical.
• Work for a charity organization.
• Take a professional exam.
• Engage in clinical practice.

However, with a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you cannot:

• Take up employment in the UK.
• Access government benefits.
• Marry in the UK.
• Stay in the UK for more than 180 days in a year.

Documents Required:

To apply for a UK Visitor Visa, you’ll need the following:

• A valid Ghanaian passport.
• Travel dates for your intended trip.
• Accommodation plans in the UK.
• A bank statement showing your yearly income.
• An estimate of your travel costs.
• A 10-year travel history.
• Employer contact details.
• UK family member’s contact details, if applicable.
• Tuberculosis test results if staying for up to 6 months.

Fees and Processing Time:

• £115 for a stay of up to 6 months.
• £200 for medical treatment for up to 11 months.
• £1,000 to extend your stay due to medical reasons after 6 months.
• £200 for short courses lasting 12 months.
• £400 for a 2-year Visitor Visa.
• £771 for a 5-year Visitor Visa.
• £963 for a 10-year Visitor Visa.

Processing usually takes 3 weeks.

UK Student Visa

Ghanaians planning to study in the UK can apply for one of three types of student visas, depending on their level of education:

1. Short-term Study Visa for English language courses.
2. Child Student Visa for primary and secondary school students.
3. Student Visa for tertiary education.

Before applying, you must have an acceptance letter from a UK school, which will sponsor your visa application. Additionally, you must demonstrate you have enough funds to cover your tuition and living expenses and that you have adequate English skills. For those under 18, parental consent is required.

Documents Required:

• Valid Ghanaian passport.
• Bank statement or sponsorship/scholarship letter.
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
• Parental consent (for those under 18).
• ATAS certificate (if applicable).
• Receipt of visa application fee and health surcharge payment.
• Birth certificate.
• Tuberculosis test result.

Fees and Processing Time:

• £490 for Child Student and Study visas.
• £200 for a short-term study visa.

The Home Office processes these applications in about 3 weeks.

Family Visa

If you have family members living in the UK, you may be eligible to join them through a Family Visa. You can apply to join:

• Your civil partner or fiancé(e).
• Your spouse or partner.
• Your child.
• Your parent.
• A family member who will care for you due to illness or old age.

Documents Required:

• A valid Ghanaian passport.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Evidence of relationship with the family member in the UK.
• Marriage and birth certificates.
• Details about your family member in the UK.
• Bank statement showing you can cover your living expenses.
• Tuberculosis test result.

Fees and Processing Time:

• £1,846 for the application fee.
• £404 if joining a family member with protection status.
• £1,035 per year as a healthcare surcharge for adults, £776 for children under 18.

Expect a processing time of up to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does it take to get a UK Visitor Visa from Ghana?

It usually takes about 3 weeks for the Home Office to process a UK Visitor Visa application from Ghana.

Q2: Can I bring my family with me on a UK Student Visa?

Generally, no. However, if you are pursuing a doctorate or conducting research, exceptions may be made allowing you to bring your family.

Q3: What is the minimum salary requirement for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?

You must have a job offer that pays at least £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour to be eligible for a UK Skilled Worker Visa.