By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
The United States Embassy in Accra has announced the immediate release of more than 1,000 interview appointments for non-immigrant visa applicants, urging prospective travellers to seize what it describes as a limited opportunity.
In a post shared on its official Facebook page, the U.S. Embassy Ghana said a significant number of interview slots are now available, particularly for B1/B2 visas, which cover short-term travel for business and tourism.
“There are more than 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots available in the next week – one of those could be yours,” the embassy stated, encouraging applicants to either book new interviews or reschedule existing appointments set for later in the year.
The embassy advised interested applicants to complete the online DS-160 visa application form and schedule interviews at the embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality.
It also reminded applicants that visa processing fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
The announcement comes amid broader changes in U.S. visa policy. According to a notice issued under U.S. Visa Services, the United States Department of State suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to nationals of certain countries, including Ghana, effective January 21, 2026. The move affects countries whose immigrants are deemed to have high rates of public assistance usage in the United States.
Although immigrant visa applicants from the affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, actual visa issuance has been paused pending further review.
In a separate development, the department also announced an immediate halt to visa issuances for diversity immigrant visa applicants.
Further restrictions are expected under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which took effect on January 1, 2026. The proclamation suspends or limits entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries, as well as individuals travelling on documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. While such applicants may proceed with applications and interviews, they could ultimately be ruled ineligible for visa issuance or entry.
Additionally, applicants seeking H-1B visas and their H-4 dependants, along with those applying for F, M or J non-immigrant visas, have been directed to make their social media accounts public to facilitate identity verification and admissibility checks under U.S. law.
The embassy has also rolled out a new appointment system aimed at simplifying the visa process and providing additional guidance to applicants.
Generally, foreign nationals require a valid visa stamped in their passport to enter the United States. Some travellers may qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, although Ghana is not currently a participant in that scheme.
The simultaneous expansion of short-term visa interview slots and tightening of immigrant visa issuance reflects a mixed approach in U.S. consular operations in Ghana, offering immediate opportunities for temporary travel while signalling stricter scrutiny for those seeking permanent residence.
