UK work visa from Ghana: requirements, cost and how to apply

Do you need a TB test?

Yes, in most cases. Ghana is on the GOV.UK list of countries where you need a tuberculosis (TB) test. You need one if all of these are true:

• you’re coming to the UK for 6 months or more
• you’ve lived in Ghana (or another listed country) for 6 months or more
• you were living there within the last 6 months

The test is a chest x-ray at a clinic approved by the Home Office. If you don’t have TB you get a certificate. It’s valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray, so time it before you apply.

Find an approved TB clinic in Ghana on GOV.UK.

Do you need to prove your English?

Yes. You need English at level B2 (upper intermediate). Ghana is not on the list of countries whose citizens are exempt. You can usually prove it with:

• an approved English test (a Secure English Language Test, or SELT)
• a degree taught in English (if it’s not from a UK institution, Ecctis must confirm it)
• a UK school qualification, such as a GCSE or A level, that you started before you turned 18

All the ways to prove your English.

Do you need a police certificate?

Only for some jobs. You need a criminal record certificate if you’re applying from outside the UK for one of 69 jobs in health, education or social care. You need one from each country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, since you turned 18.

In Ghana it’s called a Police Clearance Certificate or Criminal Check Report. What GOV.UK says about getting one in Ghana:

• Residents, non-residents and non-citizens can apply. You can nominate a friend or relative. Refugees in Ghana can apply with refugee identification. Prospective employers may not apply.
• In Ghana, go in person to Ghana Police Service Headquarters in Accra or your local police station. Overseas applicants can approach the Ghana High Commission in the UK.
• A prospective UK employer may send an application to the Criminal Record Bureau, but you must appear in person. The certificate goes to you only.
• You need the application form, a full set of fingerprints, three recent signed passport photographs and a certified copy of your passport.
• The fee is GHC5 (approx. GBP £2.60) inside Ghana and $200 for overseas applicants, in cash or by cheque. Processing takes about 2 weeks.

GOV.UK last updated its information for Ghana on 23 August 2016. Check the details with the issuing office before you apply. Read the full GOV.UK section.

Where do you prove your identity?

After you apply online, you prove your identity. Depending on your passport, you either scan it with the UK Immigration: ID Check app or give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre. Ghana has UK visa application centres. Book or find a centre in Ghana.

Health and care jobs: the red list

Ghana is on the red list in the code of practice for recruiting health and social care staff in England. UK health and care employers and agencies must not actively recruit people from Ghana, for example by advertising to them or using agents.

This does not stop you applying. The code says people from red and amber countries can apply directly to UK employers on their own. Read the code of practice.

How much does it cost?

The fees are the same wherever you apply from, and they are set in pounds.

For example, a 3-year visa costs £819 plus £3,105 for the healthcare surcharge: £3,924. Your partner and children pay too if they come with you. The fee is lower (£628) if your job is on the Immigration Salary List. All the fees.

How long does it take?

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks after you’ve applied online and proved your identity. Your visa can last up to 5 years, and you can extend it.

How to apply from Ghana

1. Find a job with a UK employer on the licensed sponsor list. Check the job’s SOC code is eligible.
2. Get your certificate of sponsorship reference number from your employer.
3. Get your TB test certificate at an approved clinic in Ghana.
4. Prove your English at level B2.
5. If your job needs one, get a police certificate from each country you’ve lived in.
6. Apply online on GOV.UK: apply from outside the UK. Pay the fee and the healthcare surcharge.
7. Prove your identity with the ID Check app or at a visa application centre in Ghana.

Not sure the Skilled Worker visa is right for you? Compare all UK work visas.