U.S. Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for Ghana and 74 Other Countries
Effective January 21, 2026 – Indefinite Suspension Under Review
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. State Department announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and others across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This development has raised concerns among individuals planning to migrate permanently to the United States.
At Extreme Performance Travel Consult, we are committed to keeping our clients informed with accurate, timely, and professional guidance on global immigration developments.
📍 What Is the Visa Pause About?
The U.S. government will temporarily suspend immigrant visa processing—visas that lead to permanent residency (Green Cards)—starting January 21, 2026. According to reports, U.S. consular officers have been instructed to pause or refuse immigrant visa issuance while the State Department reviews its screening and vetting procedures.
This review is centred on the enforcement of the “public charge” rule, which assesses whether an applicant is likely to rely on U.S. government assistance after immigrating.
📌 Why the Pause?
• According to an internal memo seen by Fox News Digital and official statements, the U.S. government says it is reassessing how immigrant visas are evaluated to prevent individuals from entering the U.S. if they are considered likely to become a “public charge” — meaning they might rely heavily on government welfare or public assistance programs.
• Consular officers have reportedly been directed to refuse immigrant visas under existing law while that review is underway.
🧭 Which Visa Categories Are Affected?
⛔ Immigrant Visas (Affected)
• Family-based immigrant visas
• Employment-based immigrant visas
• Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)
• Other pathways leading to U.S. permanent residence
Processing for these visas is paused indefinitely until further notice.
✅ Non-Immigrant Visas (Not Affected)
• Tourist visas (B1/B2)
• Student visas (F-1, M-1)
• Temporary work visas
• Business and exchange visas
These visas are not officially included in the pause, although applicants may experience stricter scrutiny.
📌 What Exactly Is Frozen?
✔ Immigrant visa processing — this means new applications for U.S. permanent residence (Green Cards) from the affected citizens will not be processed starting Jan. 21, 2026.
✖ Non-immigrant visas (like tourist, business, student visas) are not officially reported as being frozen. Those should continue to be processed normally, although stricter review is expected.
🌍 Countries Included
The suspension applies to 75 countries, including Ghana. The affected countries span Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Applicants from these countries should expect delays in immigrant visa processing until new guidance is issued.
🔎 Why Is the U.S. Implementing This Policy?
The U.S. government states that the pause is intended to:
• Strengthen immigration screening procedures
• Ensure immigrants are financially self-sufficient
• Reduce potential dependence on public assistance
• Improve long-term immigration system integrity
This is a policy review, not a permanent ban, but it currently has no fixed end date.
💡 What This Means for Applicants
At Extreme Performance Travel Consult, we advise clients to note the following:
• Immigrant visa interviews may be cancelled or delayed
• New immigrant visa applications may not be processed for now
• Pending cases could remain on hold until the review concludes
• Non-immigrant visa applicants can still proceed with proper preparation
We strongly encourage applicants to stay informed and seek professional advice before making travel or migration decisions.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is this a ban on Ghanaian travelers?
No. This is a pause on immigrant visas only, not a travel ban. - Can I still apply for a U.S. student or tourist visa?
Yes. Non-immigrant visas are still being processed. - Does this affect people who already have U.S. Green Cards?
No. Current permanent residents are not affected. - Is the Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) affected?
Yes. DV Lottery visas fall under immigrant visas and are included in the pause. - When will the pause be lifted?
There is no official end date yet. Updates will be provided as the U.S. government releases new information.
📞 Contact Extreme Performance Travel Consult
If you have a pending U.S. visa application, are planning to migrate, or need expert advice on alternative pathways:
Extreme Performance Travel Consult
📍 Address:Click here (Kasoa-Ofaakor, Ghana)
📞 Phone:Contact
📧 Email: Info@extremeptravelgh.com
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💼 Let our experts guide you through every step with clarity, integrity, and professionalism