Victor Smith assures Ghanaians B1/B2 US visas remain unaffected

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, says recent U.S. visa changes do not affect short-term travel by Ghanaians.

The ambassador issued the clarification after public concern followed reports of a suspension of immigrant visa processing affecting Ghana and dozens of other countries.

In a statement posted on the Ghana Embassy’s Facebook page in Washington, he explained that the measures being discussed apply only to specific immigrant visa categories.

According to Mr Smith, the United States has not suspended the issuance of B1/B2 visas, which cover temporary travel for business and tourism.

He said Ghanaians travelling for conferences, meetings, medical care, holidays or family visits remain eligible to apply through normal consular channels.

The current restriction applies exclusively to selected categories of immigrant visas, the ambassador noted, describing the situation as part of an ongoing administrative review of U.S. immigration processes rather than a general travel ban.

Immigrant visas are typically issued to applicants seeking permanent residence in the United States, including family-based, employment-based and diversity visa categories.

Reports indicate that the U.S. State Department has temporarily paused processing in several jurisdictions as part of broader policy realignments.

Mr Smith stressed that Ghana remains in good standing with U.S. immigration authorities and advised applicants to disregard speculation circulating online.

He also explained the distinction between the two visa types still available to Ghanaians. The B1 visa covers short-term business activities such as negotiations, training programmes, and conferences, while the B2 visa applies to tourism, medical treatment, and visits to family and friends.

Neither category permits employment or permanent residence in the United States.

The U.S. State Department has similarly stated that the pause on immigrant visa processing is administrative and temporary in nature. Diplomatic engagement between Ghana and the United States continues, with cooperation spanning trade, education, security, and people-to-people exchanges.

The clarification aligns with earlier assurances by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who said Ghana would not be affected by U.S. visa sanctions after discussions with the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Rolf Olson.