US immigrant visa pause does not affect Ghanaian B1-B2 visas – Ambassador Victor Smith clarifies

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has assured Ghanaians that the United States’ recent decision to temporarily halt immigrant visa processing does not affect non-immigrant visa categories.

According to a post on the official Facebook page of the Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC, Ambassador Smith clarified that visas for short-term travel to the United States remain fully operational.

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

He further emphasised that the directive relates solely to immigrant visas, adding: “Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Victor Emmanuel Smith clarifies uncertainties surrounding recent US Visa restriction by the US Government.”

The clarification follows growing concerns among Ghanaians after the US government announced a temporary suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana and Nigeria.

The policy, announced by the US State Department, forms part of a broader review of visa screening procedures under the long-standing “public charge” provisions of US immigration law. The pause is scheduled to take effect on January 21, 2026, and will remain in place indefinitely while the reassessment is conducted.

Under the directive, consular officers are required to refuse immigrant visas to applicants deemed likely to rely on US public welfare systems. The review aims to strengthen vetting procedures and ensure stricter compliance with existing immigration laws.

However, Ambassador Smith’s statement confirms that the suspension applies strictly to immigrant visa categories such as family-based and employment-based visas. Non-immigrant visas, including B1-B2 visas used for tourism, business travel, conferences and medical visits, remain unaffected.

The announcement is expected to ease fears among Ghanaians planning short-term travel to the United States for legitimate purposes.

The affected countries span multiple regions and include Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Thailand and Yemen, among others.

The US State Department has indicated that exceptions to the pause will be “very limited” and granted only in special circumstances after public charge considerations have been satisfied.

Source:Fiilafmonline/3News