US Immigrant Visa Pause Does Not Affect Ghanaian B1-B2 Travelers – Ambassador Smith
Ambassador Smith reassures Ghanaians that short-term business and tourist visas remain valid
- B1-B2 visas for Ghanaians remain valid
- The visa suspension affects only immigrant visas
- Ambassador Smith reassures travelers that short-term business and tourist trips to the United States will not be impacted
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Emmanuel Victor Smith, has reassured Ghanaians that the recent US decision to temporarily suspend immigrant visa processing will not impact non-immigrant visas.
This clarification comes as relief for Ghanaians planning short-term travel to the United States for business or tourism, as B1-B2 visas remain valid despite the pause on immigrant visas.
The temporary halt, announced by the US government, affects nationals from 75 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria. It is part of a review of visa screening procedures under the “public charge” rules, which assess whether applicants are likely to become dependent on US public welfare programs. The pause is set to begin on January 21, 2026, and will continue indefinitely while consular officers reassess visa evaluations.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, January 15, Ambassador Smith emphasized that the suspension applies only to immigrant visas.
“The US State Department confirms that B1-B2 visas will continue. Only immigrant visas are being paused,” he stated.
Countries affected by the pause span Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, and include Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Thailand, and Yemen.
