US visa freeze on 75 countries: What it means for Ghanaians
Under the new policy, the US government has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas that lead to permanent residence, commonly known as Green Cards.
Ghana has been included among 75 countries affected by a new United States visa processing freeze, but American and diplomatic officials have clarified that the policy does not affect non-immigrant visas, easing fears of a broad restriction on travel to the US.
The announcement initially triggered concern among Ghanaians planning to travel abroad, with many interpreting the measure as a complete visa ban. However, further clarification shows that the freeze applies only to immigrant visas, those issued to individuals intending to relocate permanently to the United States.
Under the new policy, the US government has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas that lead to permanent residence, commonly known as Green Cards.
These include family-based immigrant visas for relatives joining family members in the US permanently, employment-based immigrant visas for long-term relocation, and other permanent settlement routes.
Non-immigrant visas, which cover short-term and temporary stays, remain unaffected and continue to be processed normally. This means Ghanaians can still apply for tourist and business visas for visits, conferences, and medical travel, student visas for academic studies, exchange visitor visas for cultural and educational programmes, and temporary work visas for defined employment periods in the United States.
Officials say the distinction is based on the purpose of travel rather than nationality alone. While immigrant visas involve permanent settlement and are subject to the ongoing review, non-immigrant visas are issued for limited durations and specific activities and therefore fall outside the scope of the freeze.
The US government has not indicated how long the suspension on immigrant visa issuance will remain in place. In the meantime, Ghanaians have been urged to seek information from official US Embassy channels and Ghana’s diplomatic missions to avoid misinformation circulating online.
For now, travel for tourism, education, business, and temporary work between Ghana and the United States continues uninterrupted, while those seeking permanent residence in the US should anticipate delays
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo |Alexander Kubabom
