More than 1,000 interview slots for non-immigrant visas are now available, the US Embassy in Accra said, encouraging potential visitors to use what it calls a unique window of opportunity.
“In case you hadn’t heard the news, Embassy Accra has Non-Immigrant Visa Appointments available now!” the U.S. Embassy Ghana wrote in a message on its official Facebook page.
“There are more than 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots available in the next week – one of those could be yours.” it continued.
The embassy urged applicants who are considering travelling to the United States for pleasure or business to respond quickly.
“If you’ve been planning to apply for a U.S. visa, this is a great time to schedule your interview. Book a new appointment – or move up one scheduled for later in the year – we want to interview you now!” the notification stated, sending applicants to the visa information page.
The announcement is unique to B1/B2 visas, which allow for short-term business and tourist stays.
Applicants must complete the online DS-160 application form and schedule interviews at the United States Embassy or Consulate in their place of residence or nationality. The embassy also warned applicants that visa application payments are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
The opening of more appointment slots coincides with important changes to U.S. visa processing procedures.
With effect from January 21, 2026, the Department of State suspended the issue of all immigrant visas to citizens of nations, including Ghana, “whose immigrants have a high rate of collecting public assistance at the expense of the U.S. taxpayer,” according to a notification posted under U.S. Visa Services.
The letter explained that consular appointments would still be made and that applicants for immigrant visas from impacted nations could still submit applications and appear in person for interviews despite the halt. However, pending additional examination, visa issuing has been suspended.
Separately, the Department of State declared that it has suspended all visa issuances to diversity immigrant visa applicants, with immediate effect.
Presidential Proclamation 10998 on Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States, which goes into effect on January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, is anticipated to impose more limitations.
The decree restricts or suspends entry and the granting of visas to citizens of 39 nations and to those who apply using travel papers that have been issued or approved by the Palestinian Authority.
Affected applicants might be considered ineligible for admission or visa issuance even though they may still submit applications and show up for interviews.
Additionally, applicants for F, M, or J non-immigrant visas, H-1B visas, and their H-4 dependents have been directed to set the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to “public” in order to facilitate the vetting process required to prove their identity and admissibility to the United States under U.S. law.
A new appointment system has also been implemented by the embassy to help applicants with the visa application process and offer support when needed.
Official guidelines state that a U.S. visa, which is attached to the traveler’s passport, is typically necessary for a foreign national wishing to enter the United States.
Although Ghana is not now a part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Visa Waiver Program, some tourists may be eligible to enter without a visa.
A contrast to previous U.S. consular operations in Ghana, the concurrent increase in non-immigrant visa appointments and tightening of immigrant visa issuance signals heightened scrutiny and limitations for individuals seeking permanent residence while simultaneously providing immediate opportunities for short-term travel.
Source: newsthemegh.com