The United States Embassy in Accra has announced a sudden surge in the availability of non-immigrant visa appointments, releasing more than 2,000 slots for the next two weeks in a move that offers a rare window of opportunity for Ghanaians planning business trips, tourism, or travel to the World Cup.

In a statement issued on its official channels, the embassy urged prospective travellers to act swiftly, noting that the available slots are for B1/B2 visas, which cover short-term visits for business and leisure. 

"We have more than 2,000 visa appointment slots available in the next two weeks for B1/B2 travelers — whether you're planning a business trip, visiting family, general tourism, or wanting to watch the World Cup!" the U.S. Embassy Ghana posted on X.

The embassy specifically encouraged those who already have a visa appointment scheduled for later in the year to consider rescheduling to an earlier date. 

"If you already have a U.S. visa appointment for later in the year, consider moving it up now," the statement read, directing applicants to its official visa information page for further details on how to book.

This expansion of non-immigrant services, however, is unfolding against a backdrop of significant and restrictive changes to U.S. immigration policy. 

According to a notice published under U.S. Visa Services, the Department of State, effective January 21, 2026, has paused all immigrant visa issuances to nationals of countries, including Ghana, "whose immigrants have a high rate of collecting public assistance at the expense of the U.S. taxpayer."

While the notice clarified that immigrant visa applicants from affected countries may still submit applications and attend interviews, and that consular appointments would continue to be scheduled, visa issuance has been halted pending further review. In a separate but parallel measure, the Department of State also announced an immediate pause on all visa issuances to diversity immigrant visa applicants.

Further restrictions are expected under Presidential Proclamation 10998 on Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals, which took effect at the start of the year. The proclamation suspends or limits entry and visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries, as well as individuals applying with travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. While affected applicants may still submit applications and attend interviews, they may ultimately be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or admission.

In addition to these policy shifts, the embassy has reminded applicants of stringent new vetting procedures. Applicants for H-1B visas and their H-4 dependents, as well as those seeking F, M, or J non-immigrant visas, have been instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to "public." This measure, the embassy stated, is to facilitate the vetting necessary to establish an applicant's identity and admissibility to the United States under U.S. law.

The embassy has also introduced a new appointment system designed to guide applicants through the visa process and provide assistance where required.