Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Emmanuel Victor Smith, has clarified that the recent decision by the US government to temporarily halt immigrant visa processing does not affect non-immigrant visas for Ghanaians.
The clarification comes amid growing public concern following an announcement by the US State Department that immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria, will be paused as part of a review of visa screening procedures under the long-standing “public charge” rule.
According to the US authorities, the suspension, which takes effect from January 21, 2026, is intended to reassess how immigrant visa applicants are evaluated to determine whether they are likely to become overly dependent on public welfare systems in the United States.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Ambassador Smith assured Ghanaians that visas for short-term travel remain unaffected.
“The US State Department confirms that B1-B2 visas will continue. Only immigrant visas are being paused,” he stated.
The clarification is expected to reassure Ghanaians planning short-term travel to the US for business, tourism, or family visits, as B1/B2 visas fall under the non-immigrant visa category.
The immigrant visa pause affects countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, including Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Thailand, and Yemen. US officials say the suspension will remain in place indefinitely while the review process continues.
