The U.S. Department of State has announced a pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, citing a renewed internal review of how consular officers apply the public charge rule under U.S. immigration law. Ghana is among the countries affected. For Ghanaian families and professionals seeking permanent residence in the United States, this announcement introduces immediate uncertainty and delay.
What Is Happening
Beginning January 21, 2026, U.S. consulates worldwide will pause the processing of certain immigrant visas for applicants from the designated countries. The pause is described as indefinite and will remain in effect while procedures and officer guidance are reassessed.
Visa categories affected include:
- Family based immigrant visas
- Employment based immigrant visas
- Diversity Visa processing where applicable
Visa categories not affected include:
- Tourist visas (B-1 and B-2)
- Student visas (F-1)
- Most other non immigrant visa categories
Full List of Countries For Visa Pause
| # | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan |
| 2 | Albania |
| 3 | Algeria |
| 4 | Antigua and Barbuda |
| 5 | Armenia |
| 6 | Azerbaijan |
| 7 | Bahamas |
| 8 | Bangladesh |
| 9 | Barbados |
| 10 | Belarus |
| 11 | Belize |
| 12 | Bhutan |
| 13 | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| 14 | Brazil |
| 15 | Burma (Myanmar) |
| 16 | Cambodia |
| 17 | Cameroon |
| 18 | Cape Verde |
| 19 | Colombia |
| 20 | Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) |
| 21 | Cuba |
| 22 | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| 23 | Dominica |
| 24 | Egypt |
| 25 | Eritrea |
| 26 | Ethiopia |
| 27 | Fiji |
| 28 | The Gambia |
| 29 | Georgia |
| 30 | Ghana |
| 31 | Grenada |
| 32 | Guatemala |
| 33 | Guinea |
| 34 | Haiti |
| 35 | Iran |
| 36 | Iraq |
| 37 | Jamaica |
| 38 | Jordan |
| 39 | Kazakhstan |
| 40 | Kosovo |
| 41 | Kuwait |
| 42 | Kyrgyz Republic |
| 43 | Laos |
| 44 | Lebanon |
| 45 | Liberia |
| 46 | Libya |
| 47 | Moldova |
| 48 | Mongolia |
| 49 | Montenegro |
| 50 | Morocco |
| 51 | Nepal |
| 52 | Nicaragua |
| 53 | Nigeria |
| 54 | North Macedonia |
| 55 | Pakistan |
| 56 | Republic of the Congo |
| 57 | Russia |
| 58 | Rwanda |
| 59 | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| 60 | Saint Lucia |
| 61 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| 62 | Senegal |
| 63 | Sierra Leone |
| 64 | Somalia |
| 65 | South Sudan |
| 66 | Sudan |
| 67 | Syria |
| 68 | Tanzania |
| 69 | Thailand |
| 70 | Togo |
| 71 | Tunisia |
| 72 | Uganda |
| 73 | Uruguay |
| 74 | Uzbekistan |
| 75 | Yemen |
Why the U.S. Is Doing This: The Public Charge Review
U.S. immigration law allows consular officers to deny an immigrant visa if an applicant is deemed likely to become a public charge, meaning primarily dependent on U.S. government assistance. According to State Department guidance, the pause allows for a more consistent and stricter application of this standard across all consulates.
In practice, officers may weigh factors such as financial resources, employment prospects, age, health, education, job skills, and the strength of affidavits of support provided by sponsors. Supporters argue this promotes fiscal responsibility, while critics note that it can disproportionately affect applicants from lower income countries even when strong sponsorship exists.
Ghana’s Inclusion and What It Means on the Ground
For Ghanaian applicants, the implications are immediate. New immigrant visa interviews will not move forward during the pause. Cases already submitted may remain pending without final decisions, even where documentation is complete.
This affects families awaiting reunification and professionals sponsored by U.S. employers. Importantly, non immigrant travel remains unchanged. Tourist and student visa processing continues through the U.S. Embassy in Accra.
For many applicants, the most difficult part is uncertainty rather than denial. There is currently no announced end date.
The Bigger Picture: Other Countries Affected
Ghana is one of 75 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe included in the pause. Reporting indicates this is a broad policy action rather than one targeted at a specific country or region.
Multiple international news organizations have confirmed that the guidance was communicated directly to U.S. consulates worldwide, reinforcing that this is a coordinated global policy review.
Is This Information Accurate
Yes. Reporting consistently confirms that the pause applies only to immigrant visas, is tied to renewed enforcement of the public charge standard, takes effect January 21, 2026, and includes Ghana among the affected countries. At this time, the pause is indefinite.
What Applicants Should Do Now
Applicants affected by the pause should not abandon their cases. This is a pause, not a cancellation. Monitoring official embassy communications is essential.
Applicants should also prepare thorough financial documentation, including updated affidavits of support, proof of income, and employment letters. Avoid relying on unverified social media claims, which often spread incorrect or exaggerated information.
Final Thoughts
This policy shift reinforces a reality many applicants already understand. Legal immigration pathways can change quickly, even mid process. For Ghanaian families and professionals, the pause is disruptive and frustrating, but it is not final.
We will continue to monitor official announcements and update this post as new information becomes available.
TLDR
- The U.S. is pausing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries
- Ghana is included
- The pause is tied to stricter review of the public charge rule
- Tourist and student visas are not affected
- The policy takes effect January 21, 2026
Action Items
- Confirm whether your visa category is impacted
- Organize and update financial support documents
- Follow official updates from the U.S. Embassy in Accra
- Avoid rumors and rely on verified sources
Sources
Reuters : https://www.reuters.com/world/us/
