US Visa Appointments Put on Hold Worldwide

The United States has temporarily adjusted visa appointments at its embassies and consulates worldwide, affecting applicants in Ghana and other countries.

The US State Department announced the development on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, explaining that consular officers are undergoing a global training programme.

According to the department, the exercise is intended to strengthen the way visa applications are assessed and help officers identify applicants who may become dependent on public benefits in the United States.

Applicants whose scheduled appointments have been affected are reportedly being informed that their interviews will be postponed. New dates are expected to be communicated later, as the State Department has not announced when the adjustment will end.

The development comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten immigration and visa screening procedures.

Ghana and 25 African countries

Separately, an earlier US policy affecting immigrant visa applicants from Ghana and 25 other African countries has been challenged in court.

A federal judge in New York, Jeannette Vargas, reportedly overturned the policy, ruling that the suspension of immigrant visas for applicants from 75 countries was unlawful.

The earlier measure, which took effect on January 21, 2026, had affected countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The US government had cited concerns that some applicants could become dependent on public assistance after entering the country.

The latest worldwide appointment adjustment is, however, linked to the consular training programme and should not be confused with the earlier suspension involving specific countries.

Source:Reuters.com