U.S Embassy announces release of over 1,000 non-immigrant visa appointments

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Makay
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The U.S. Embassy in Ghana

The U.S. Embassy in Ghana has announced the release of more than 1,000 appointment slots for Non-Immigrant (B1/B2) visa applicants in the coming weeks.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by submitting new applications or rescheduling existing appointments to earlier dates, where available.

In a post on social media on February 17, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana stated, “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.

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! Visit our visa page for more information and application: https://gh.usembassy.gov/visas/” 

However, the Trump administration, some months ago, announced that the United States is temporarily halting immigrant visa processing for Ghana, Nigeria and 73 other countries.

According to the U.S. State Department, the move takes effect January 21 and will remain in place indefinitely.

They highlighted that consular officers will reassess how visa applicants are evaluated to determine whether they may become overly dependent on U.S. public welfare systems.

Tommy Piggott, a spokesperson for the State Department, stated the move is intended to protect U.S. public resources.

“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” Piggott told Fox News.

“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Victor Smith, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, has clarified that the United States is only halting immigrant visas.

Ghana’s Ambassador to the US clarified that business or tourism visas, known as B1-B2 visas, remain unaffected by the temporary suspension.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Ghana’s Ambassador to US Victor Smith explained that the directive applies strictly to immigrant visas.

Emmanuel Victor Smith wrote, “The US State Department confirms that B1-B2 visas will continue. Only immigrant visas are being paused”.

See the post below: