US Visa Restriction: B1–B2 Visas Still Valid, Only Immigrant Visas Paused – Ghana’s Ambassador to US

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has clarified reports surrounding recent U.S. visa restrictions, confirming that B1–B2 non-immigrant visas will continue to be issued, while
only certain immigrant visa categories have been temporarily paused.

Speaking on the matter, Ambassador Smith assured Ghanaians that there is no ban on short-term travel visas, which cover business, tourism, medical visits, and family visits.

“The State Department has confirmed that B1–B2 visas remain unaffected. What has been paused are specific immigrant visas,” he stated.

According to the Ambassador, the clarification follows growing public concern and misinformation suggesting a blanket suspension of U.S. visas for Ghanaians.

He explained that the pause on immigrant visas forms part of broader administrative and policy reviews by U.S. authorities and does not target Ghana specifically.

“This is not a punitive action against Ghana. It is a procedural pause affecting immigrant visa processing,” he noted.

Ambassador Smith urged Ghanaians to rely on official communication from the U.S. State Department and the Ghana Embassy in Washington, rather than unverified social media reports.

He further encouraged applicants for B1–B2 visas to proceed with their applications as usual, assuring that consular services for non-immigrant visas remain fully operational.

The clarification comes amid heightened interest in U.S. travel and migration policies, with the embassy reiterating its commitment to keeping the Ghanaian public accurately informed on developments affecting travel to the United States.