In a major policy shift, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended all new student visa interview appointments worldwide, directly impacting many Ghanaian students planning to study in the United States.
According to a memo from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, American embassies and consulates have been instructed to pause new student and foreign exchange visa appointments until further notice. The decision is part of a broader effort to implement stricter social media background checks on visa applicants.
Students who already have scheduled interviews at the U.S. Embassy in Accra or other U.S. embassies will not be affected and may proceed as planned. However, those who have not yet secured appointments may face significant delays in the visa process.
Each year, hundreds of Ghanaian students travel to the U.S. to pursue higher education, forming a key part of the academic and cultural exchange between the two countries. The suspension is expected to disrupt the plans of many aspiring students and scholars.
The memo also revealed that the U.S. government is expanding its vetting procedures to include increased scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity. Although the exact criteria for red flags were not disclosed, applicants may be assessed for their online content and behavior.
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, defended the move, saying:
“We take very seriously the process of vetting who it is that comes into the country, and we’re going to continue to do that.”
This new policy comes amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and several top American universities. Disputes have flared over issues such as pro-Palestinian protests, alleged antisemitism, and claims that elite institutions are promoting anti-Israel sentiments.
Harvard University, known for its large population of international students (over 25%), has been a particular focus. The Trump administration previously attempted to block Harvard from enrolling foreign students and hosting visiting researchers—a move that was overturned by a federal judge.
If these tighter visa measures continue, they could create serious obstacles for Ghanaian students hoping to study in the United States. Delays in visa processing and heightened screening could impact admission timelines and financial planning for students and their families.
What Ghanaian Applicants Should Know;
Scheduled interviews will proceed as planned.
New appointments are paused until further notice.
Prepare for enhanced vetting of your social media presence.
Stay informed by checking updates from the U.S. Embassy in Accra and official channels.
This development highlights the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration and student visa policy. Ghanaian students are encouraged to explore alternative study destinations, stay informed on policy updates, and consult education advisors for guidance.