The United States Embassy in Ghana has announced new rules for non-immigrant visa applicants, particularly those seeking F, M, and J visas.

These categories cover academic students, vocational students, and exchange visitors.

In a statement published on its website on September 8, 2025, the Embassy said, “Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence or nationality.”

From Students to Tourists: African US visa applicants face new $250 'integrity' fee

The statement emphasised that visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

For more information, visit Adjudicating non-immigrant visa applicants in their country of residence.

It also added that all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to “public” to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States under US law, effective immediately.

“Pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation on Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 9, 2025, the United States is suspending or limiting entry and visa issuance to nationals of certain countries,” the statement said.

The Embassy, however, noted that applicants who are subject to this Presidential Proclamation may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.

“For additional details, visit travel.state.gov,” it added.

SSD/MA