Ghana, which was exempted from the U.S.’s recent $15,000 visa bond, has now been issued more than 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots, which would be available a week from now.

The Ghanaian embassy made the revelation via its X page, noting that the available visa slots are primarily ‘non-immigrant.’

“In case you hadn’t heard the news, Embassy Accra has Non-Immigrant Visa Appointments available now! There are more than 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots available in the next week; one of those could be yours,” the embassy’s tweet read.

Applicants who have been waiting months for interview dates can now arrange new appointments or reschedule current ones from later in the year to earlier slots.

The embassy encouraged qualified applicants to take advantage of the enhanced availability and schedule their appointments using its official visa site.

“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 embassy relayed.

The change is likely to reduce appointment backlogs and speed up travel plans for many Ghanaians and residents applying through Accra, especially because demand for U.S. visas has been strong in recent years.

Ghana's visa back and forth with the United States

his new development is noteworthy given that the United States listed Ghana as one of the 27 African nations for which it would suspend immigrant visa processing.

The United States, however, relayed that exceptions to the suspension will be rare and only granted after applicants successfully clear public charge evaluations.

Later in the month, the United States Embassy in Ghana announced the opening of thousands of additional non-immigrant visa appointment slots for Ghanaians planning to travel.

The move seemed to be tied to the World Cup, which is set to be hosted by the United States, as Ghanaians intending to attend the World Cup were urged to apply early if they do not already hold a valid U.S. visa. (Business Insider Africa)

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