The United States Embassy in Accra has announced the immediate availability of more than 1,000 interview slots for non-immigrant visas, urging prospective travellers to take advantage of what it describes as a rare window of opportunity.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the U.S. Embassy Ghana said, “In case you hadn’t heard the news, Embassy Accra has Non-Immigrant Visa Appointments available now!”

It added: “There are more than 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots available in the next week – one of those could be yours.”

The embassy encouraged applicants who have been considering travel to the United States for tourism or business to act swiftly. “If you’ve been planning to apply for a U.S. visa, this is a great time to schedule your interview. Book a new appointment – or move up one scheduled for later in the year – we want to interview you now!” the statement read, directing applicants to its visa information page.

The announcement relates specifically to B1/B2 visas, which cover short-term visits for business and tourism. 

Applicants are required to complete the online DS-160 application form and schedule interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence or nationality. The embassy also reminded applicants that visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

The release of additional appointment slots comes at a time of significant policy shifts in U.S. visa processing.

According to a notice published under U.S. Visa Services, the Department of State, effective January 21, 2026, 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.”

Despite the pause, 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. However, visa issuance has been halted pending further review.

In a separate measure, the Department of State announced that, effective immediately, it had paused 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 to Protect the Security of the United States, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026. 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 submit applications and attend interviews, they may ultimately be deemed ineligible for visa issuance or admission.

In addition, applicants for H-1B visas and their H-4 dependents, as well as F, M or J non-immigrant visas, have been instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to “public” to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their 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.

A U.S. visa, according to official guidance, is generally required for a citizen of a foreign country seeking entry into the United States and is placed in the traveller’s passport. Certain travellers may qualify to enter without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, although Ghana is not currently part of that programme.

The simultaneous expansion of non-immigrant visa appointments and tightening of immigrant visa issuance marks a contrasting moment in U.S. consular operations in Ghana, offering immediate opportunities for short-term travel while signalling increased scrutiny and restrictions for those seeking permanent residence.