Study Abroad Safe: US visa pause will not affect Ghanaian students – Ambassador Smith

Jan 15, 2026

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has assured students, parents, and education stakeholders that study abroad opportunities remain fully intact despite recent developments surrounding U.S. visa restrictions.

According to the Ambassador, the U.S. State Department has confirmed that only immigrant visas are temporarily paused, while non-immigrant visas, including student visas (F-1), exchange visas (J-1), and visitor visas (B1/B2), are not affected.

This clarification comes after growing public concern that the new measures could disrupt international education plans. Ambassador Smith emphasized that Ghanaians seeking to study in the United States can proceed with their applications as normal, stressing that the policy review does not impact academic travel or short-term stays.

“Students planning to pursue education in the U.S. should remain confident. This development does not affect student visas in any way,” he stated.

The clarification has been welcomed by key institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ghana Tourism Authority, and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), all of which play crucial roles in international mobility and educational exchange.

Education consultants and study abroad agencies have also been advised to continue processing student applications without hesitation, as the visa categories required for academic purposes remain operational.

This announcement provides significant relief to Ghanaian students who had expressed fears about possible delays or cancellations of their study plans abroad. Officials continue to encourage applicants to rely on verified information from official sources and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.

For now, study abroad opportunities in the United States remain open and accessible to Ghanaians, reinforcing the strong educational ties between both countries.

Admissions World News will continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates.

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