US Visa Freeze Does Not Apply to Non-Immigrant Visas – Ghana Embassy Clarifies

The Ghanaian embassy in the United States of America (USA) has clarified the uncertainties surrounding the recent Visa restriction by the US Government.

In a Facebook post, Ghana’s Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith said the pause in immigrant visa processing from 75 countries does not apply to non-immigrant visas.

“The US State Department confirms that B1-B2 visas will continue. Only Immigrant visas are being paused.”

This means that persons visiting the US for tourism, business, medical treatment, or specific types of work will have their visas processed.

The State Department has announced a pause in immigrant visa processing from 75 countries effective January 21, 2026.

The affected countries span multiple regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean, and include Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Thailand and Yemen, among others.

Migrants from these countries, according to the Department, pose a threat to the welfare of Americans at unacceptable rates.

“We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused. The Trump Administration will always put America First.”

“The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people,” it said in a statement.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/