U.S. EMBASSY IN GHANA RELEASES OVER 1,000 NEW VISA APPOINTMENT SLOTS FOR NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

The United States Embassy in Accra has announced the immediate availability of more than 1,000 interview slots for non-immigrant visas, urging prospective travellers to take advantage of what it describes as a rare opportunity.

In a statement shared on its official online pages,  the Embassy said there are over 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots available within the next week.

“In case you hadn’t heard the news, Embassy Accra has Non-Immigrant Visa Appointments available now! There are more than 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots available in the next week – one of those could be yours,” the post read.

The Embassy encouraged applicants who have been considering travel to the United States for tourism or business to act quickly. It advised individuals to either book a new appointment or reschedule existing ones set for later in the year.

B1/B2 visas are issued for short-term visits related to business and tourism. Applicants are required to complete the online DS-160 form and schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy in their country of residence or nationality. The Embassy also reminded the public that visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Policy Shifts in U.S. Visa Processing

The release of additional non-immigrant visa appointments comes at a time of significant changes in U.S. immigration policy.

According to a notice from U.S. Visa Services, the U.S. Department of State, effective January 21, 2026, paused immigrant visa issuances to nationals of certain countries, including Ghana, citing concerns over high rates of public assistance use among immigrants.

While immigrant visa applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, visa issuance has been temporarily halted pending further review.

In a separate development, the Department of State has also paused visa issuances to diversity immigrant visa applicants.

Additionally, under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on January 1, 2026, entry and visa issuance have been suspended or restricted for nationals of 39 countries, as well as individuals travelling on documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. Affected applicants may attend interviews but could ultimately be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or entry.

The Embassy further indicated that applicants for H-1B visas and their H-4 dependents, as well as F, M, and J non-immigrant visas, must adjust the privacy settings on their social media accounts to “public” to facilitate identity and admissibility vetting.

Immediate Opportunity for Short-Term Travel

The Embassy has also introduced a new appointment system aimed at improving the visa scheduling process and assisting applicants more effectively.

Although Ghana is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, the newly released B1/B2 appointment slots present an immediate opportunity for Ghanaians seeking short-term travel to the United States.

The development highlights a contrasting moment in U.S. consular operations in Ghana expanded access for short-term visitors alongside stricter scrutiny and limitations for those seeking permanent residence.

Source:NKONKONSA.com