S'installer aux États-Unis depuis le Ghana

Voies d'obtention de visa

Ghanaian citizens require a visa for any travel to the United States. There is no visa-free or visa-waiver arrangement between Ghana and the US ^[1]. All visa applications are processed through the US Embassy in Accra.

Diversity Visa (DV) lottery.

Ghana is one of the highest-participation countries in the annual Diversity Visa program, which makes available up to 50,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the US ^[1]. Applicants must have at least a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years. Registration is free and takes place online during a limited window each fall. Selected applicants are notified the following spring and must complete consular processing in Accra, including a medical examination and police certificate.

Family-based immigration.

US citizens and lawful permanent residents can petition for qualifying family members. Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents) are not subject to annual numerical caps. Other family categories are subject to per-country limits and can involve multi-year waiting periods ^[1].

Employment-based immigration.

Employment-based green cards fall into preference categories (EB-1 through EB-5) ^[1]. EB-1 covers priority workers with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational managers ^[1]. EB-2 covers professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability ^[1]. EB-3 covers skilled workers and professionals ^[1]. Each category requires a US employer sponsor (except certain EB-1 and EB-2 self-petition routes) and, in most cases, a certified labor condition application ^[1].

H-1B specialty occupation visa.

The H-1B allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor's degree ^[1]. The employer files a petition with USCIS, and the visa is subject to an annual cap with a lottery selection process. H-1B holders can apply for employer-sponsored green cards while on the visa ^[1].

Student pathway (F-1).

Many Ghanaians enter the US on F-1 student visas and transition to work authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their degree ^[1]. OPT provides 12 months of work authorization, with STEM degree holders eligible for a 24-month extension ^[1].

Visitor visa (B-1/B-2).

For short-term business or tourism. This visa does not authorize employment and cannot be converted to a work or immigrant visa from within the US ^[1].

Obligations fiscales américaines

Once you become a US tax resident, the US taxes you on worldwide income ^[1]. Tax residency is determined by either holding a green card (the green card test) or meeting the substantial presence test ^[2].

Substantial presence test.

You meet this test if you are physically present in the US for at least 31 days in the current year and at least 183 days over a three-year period, calculated by counting all days in the current year, one-third of days in the prior year, and one-sixth of days two years prior ^[3]. Certain visa holders (F-1 students, J-1 exchange visitors) are exempt individuals whose days do not count toward this test ^[3].

No US-Ghana tax treaty.

Ghana and the United States do not have an income tax treaty ^[4]. This means there is no bilateral mechanism to reduce withholding rates on cross-border income or to resolve dual-residency conflicts through a treaty tiebreaker. If you earn income that is taxed in both countries, you may claim a Foreign Tax Credit on Form 1116 to offset US tax by the amount of Ghanaian tax paid on the same income ^[5].

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

If you later work abroad (including returning to Ghana temporarily for a US employer), you may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion under Form 2555, which allows qualifying taxpayers to exclude a set amount of foreign earned income from US tax ^[6]. You must meet either the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test (330 full days abroad in 12 consecutive months).

ITIN for non-SSN holders.

If you have a US tax filing obligation but are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ^[7]. An ITIN does not authorize employment or change immigration status.

Ghana exit considerations.

Ghana taxes residents on worldwide income under the Ghana Revenue Authority. When you become a US tax resident, you should notify the GRA and understand your Ghanaian filing obligations for the year of departure. You remain liable for Ghanaian tax on Ghana-source income even after relocating, and there is no US-Ghana tax treaty to provide relief ^[4].

Soins de santé et assurance

The US does not have a universal public healthcare system. Most residents obtain health insurance through their employer, a government program, or the individual marketplace.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

If you enter on an employment-based visa or get a job after arrival, your employer will likely offer a group health plan. Enrollment typically happens within 30 days of your start date. Plans vary in coverage, premiums, deductibles, and copays. Employer plans are the most common form of coverage in the US.

Marketplace plans (ACA).

The Affordable Care Act created health insurance marketplaces where individuals can purchase plans. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) qualify immediately. Depending on your income level, you may receive premium tax credits to reduce monthly costs. Enrollment generally occurs during the annual Open Enrollment Period, though qualifying life events (such as moving to a new state) trigger Special Enrollment Periods.

Medicaid and CHIP.

Medicaid provides free or low-cost coverage to low-income individuals. Most lawful permanent residents face a five-year waiting period before qualifying for Medicaid, though some states have eliminated this restriction. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance.

Medicare.

Medicare covers individuals 65 and older (and certain younger people with disabilities). You qualify for premium-free Part A (hospital insurance) after accumulating 40 quarters of US employment (approximately 10 years of work). Part B (medical insurance) requires monthly premiums regardless of work history.

No reciprocal healthcare agreement.

Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) does not provide coverage in the United States, and the US has no reciprocal healthcare arrangement with Ghana. You need US-based coverage from your first day in the country. If you arrive before your employer coverage begins, consider a short-term travel medical policy to bridge the gap.

Prescription medications.

Bring documentation of any ongoing prescriptions, including generic drug names (International Nonproprietary Names) and dosages. Some medications available over the counter in Ghana require prescriptions in the US, and vice versa. Controlled substances require a US-licensed physician's prescription.

Banque et finances

Opening a US bank account.

You can open a checking and savings account at most US banks with a valid passport, a US visa, and proof of a US address. Major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) accept foreign passports as primary ID. Some banks also accept an ITIN in lieu of a Social Security Number during the initial period. You will receive a Social Security Number once authorized to work, and you should update your bank records accordingly.

Building credit history.

The US credit system is entirely separate from any credit history you may have in Ghana. You start with no credit score. Secured credit cards (where you deposit a refundable amount as collateral) are the standard way to begin building a US credit history. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can typically qualify for an unsecured card. Your credit score affects your ability to rent apartments, finance a car, and eventually qualify for a mortgage.

Sending money to Ghana.

Remittances to Ghana are common among the Ghanaian diaspora. Services like Wise, Remitly, and WorldRemit typically offer better exchange rates than traditional banks for GHS transfers. Bank wire transfers through your US bank work but usually carry higher fees and less favorable rates.

No US-Ghana totalization agreement.

The United States and Ghana do not have a social security totalization agreement. If you work in the US, you will pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) on your US earnings regardless of any contributions you made to Ghana's Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). Your SSNIT contributions in Ghana do not count toward US Social Security benefit eligibility, and vice versa. You need 40 quarters (approximately 10 years) of US employment to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits.

Tax filing and banking.

US banks report interest income to the IRS. Even small amounts of interest earned on your savings account are taxable. You will receive a Form 1099-INT each January showing interest earned in the prior year, which you must include on your federal tax return.

Logistique du déménagement

Shipping household goods.

Ocean freight from Ghana to the US typically involves a 20-foot or 40-foot container shipped from the port of Tema to a US port (Houston, New York/Newark, or Baltimore are common). Transit time is generally several weeks. Door-to-door services including customs clearance at the US end are available through international moving companies. Get at least three written quotes and confirm insurance coverage for the voyage.

US customs and duties.

Personal effects and household goods used abroad for at least one year are generally exempt from US customs duties under the personal effects exemption. You must declare all items on your customs declaration upon arrival. New or recently purchased items may be subject to duty. Food products, plants, and certain agricultural items face strict import restrictions enforced by US Customs and Border Protection.

Flights.

Direct flights from Accra (Kotoka International Airport) to the US are available on a limited number of carriers. Connections through European hubs (London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt) or via other West African cities are common. Flight time is approximately 10 to 12 hours for direct routes.

Pet import requirements.

Dogs entering the US must meet CDC requirements, which were updated in 2024. All dogs must appear healthy, be microchipped with an ISO-compatible 15-digit chip, and meet specific rabies vaccination requirements that vary by the dog's country of origin and travel history. Ghana is classified by the CDC as a high-risk country for dog rabies, which adds documentation requirements including a CDC Dog Import Permit and a veterinary examination within a specific window before travel.

Driver's license.

Each US state has its own licensing requirements. Most states require you to obtain a state driver's license within 30 to 90 days of establishing residency. You will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and in most states a road test. An International Driving Permit issued in Ghana may allow you to drive temporarily while you obtain your state license, but it is not a substitute for a US license.

Time zones.

The continental US spans four time zones. Eastern Time (used by New York, Washington DC, Atlanta) is 5 hours behind GMT, meaning when it is noon in Accra, it is 7am in New York. Central Time (Chicago, Houston) is 6 hours behind, Mountain Time (Denver) is 7 hours behind, and Pacific Time (Los Angeles, San Francisco) is 8 hours behind.

Adaptation culturelle

Ghanaian diaspora communities.

The US is home to a large Ghanaian diaspora, concentrated in metro areas including New York (particularly the Bronx), the Washington DC area (Maryland and Virginia suburbs), Chicago, and Houston. Ghanaian churches, cultural associations, and community organizations provide social networks and practical support for new arrivals. These networks are often the most efficient way to find initial housing, learn about job openings, and navigate the first months.

Work culture.

US workplaces typically operate on strict punctuality, with meetings starting on time and deadlines treated as firm commitments. Most professional environments use email as the primary communication channel. The concept of "at-will employment" means that in most states, either the employer or employee can end the employment relationship at any time without cause, which is a significant difference from Ghana's labor protections.

Housing.

Renting an apartment typically requires a credit check, proof of income (usually 2 to 3 times the monthly rent), and a security deposit (usually one month's rent). Without US credit history, you may need a cosigner or a larger security deposit. Many Ghanaians initially stay with family or community members while building the documentation needed to sign their own lease.

Weather.

If you settle in the northern US (New York, Chicago, the Midwest), winter weather will be a significant adjustment. Temperatures can drop well below freezing from December through February, and you will need winter clothing (insulated coat, boots, gloves, hat) that you likely do not own. Budget for this before or immediately after arrival.

Food and groceries.

African and Ghanaian grocery stores exist in most cities with sizable diaspora communities, carrying staples like fufu flour, palm oil, shito, kenkey, and dried fish. Outside major metro areas, you may need to order specialty items online. US grocery stores carry rice, beans, and many produce items familiar to Ghanaian cooking.

Education system.

Public schooling (K-12) is free for all children regardless of immigration status. School enrollment is based on your residential address. Higher education is not free, and tuition varies dramatically between community colleges, state universities, and private institutions. Financial aid availability depends on immigration status and residency.

Comparer les États-Unis

Guides de visa pour les États-Unis