The revised visa validity schedule for non-immigrant visas is part of a broader immigration policy decision by the United States government to improve fraud detection and prevention, the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, has clarified.
“The visa validity schedule was changed for a number of other countries all around the world because we believe that it is easier for us to detect and prevent fraud when we have shorter visa validities,” he said.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Graphic at the US Embassy in Accra last Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Mr Olson explained that the revised visa policy does not target Ghana specifically but is part of a global adjustment.
He stressed that the new policy does not alter eligibility criteria. “In terms of who can qualify for a given visa—whether it’s a tourist visa or a student visa—nothing has changed. What has been changed is what’s called the reciprocity schedule, and it’s for the various visa categories. It shows the maximum validity of a visa that can be issued for that category at any given time,” he stated.
The Chargé d’Affaires emphasised that the visa validity schedule for Ghana and other countries evolves and is subject to continuous assessment.
Clarifying misconceptions
The US State Department recently revised the validity of non-immigrant B-1 and B-2 visas for tourists and business visitors from five-year multiple entry to three-month single entry.
Mr Olson acknowledged widespread misconceptions, with some assuming that the three-month single-entry limit refers to the duration of stay in the US.
He clarified: “The three-month period is how long you have to enter the United States. It’s not about how long you have to stay in the United States, and that’s a common misperception. Understandably, all these can be quite confusing. So, for example, today is July 9. If you were issued a visa today, it would expire on October 8 or 9—whatever three months is.”
He further explained that under the new policy, if a visa holder fails to travel to the United States within the three-month period, the visa becomes invalid.
Length of Stay and Existing Visas
Mr Olson noted that the length of stay permitted in the US will continue to be determined by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the point of entry.
“For B-1 and B-2 visa holders, the six-month stay is not automatic. CBP officers have the discretion to shorten or lengthen that duration,” he said.
For students on F-1 visas, CBP officers will issue a stay period that covers the entire duration of study.
Importantly, Mr Olson assured Ghanaians that the revised validity applies only to new visa issuances.
“Anybody who already has a visa, there’s no change to the status of that visa. If you have five years multiple entry or three years multiple entry, whatever the status, the current visa does not change. This is only about new issuances going forward,” he explained.
Addressing visa overstays
Mr Olson expressed appreciation for the Ghanaian government’s engagement, particularly comments by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding visa overstays.
The US government has raised concerns over a 21 per cent overstay rate among Ghanaian students; exceeding the 15 per cent threshold set by Washington.
He confirmed that the US is working with Ghanaian authorities to address the issue. “We’ve been engaging on immigration matters, including overstays, and are looking at ways to cooperate further,” he said.
He emphasised that visa decisions are linked to national security. “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision, and this policy is in line with a key campaign pledge of the US President,” Mr Olson stated.