Ghanaian US Visa applications triple, Embassy changes strategy to clear backlog

The United States Embassy in Ghana has revealed that the number of Ghanaian visa applications it receives has tripled since 2019. According to the Embassy, the number of visa applications it receives significantly exceeds the resources allocated for processing these applications.

Speaking at a roundtable to announce the plans by the Embassy to migrate all visa applications onto a new system starting 16 August 2024, to curb the delays, the American Consul General in Ghana Elliot Fertik disclosed that the increase in demand for visas has contributed to a backlog of applications.

“What is driving the backlog is visa demand and I’ve said before that if you look at the number of people who paid the visa application fee in 2019 before the pandemic and compare it to the number of people who did so in 2023, the number in 2023 is triple what it was in 2019. So certainly, we hope this new system will provide some additional enhancements and will be more efficient,” he indicated.

Fertik also stated that processing more applications is underway to help clear the backlog. From 16 August 2024, the Embassy will transition to a new visa services provider. This will result in a downtime of the visa application platform until 26 August 2024.

During the transition period, applicants will not be able to make new visa appointments, cancel or reschedule existing appointments, or access customer service. All existing non-immigrant visa interview appointments will remain valid through this period.

Key Information for Visa Applicants:

• Interviews Scheduled on or Before 16 August: Applicants can continue to access their accounts at ustraveldocs.com to review appointment details and contact customer service as necessary. No further action is required.
• Interviews Scheduled Between 16 and 26 August: Applicants must print their appointment confirmation letters before 16 August. They will not be able to cancel or reschedule appointments or access customer service during this period. It is strongly encouraged to attend the scheduled interviews. If an applicant fails to appear, instructions for rescheduling will be available after 26 August.
• Interviews Scheduled for 26 August or Later: Applicants must also print their appointment confirmation letters before 16 August. Beginning 26 August, they will need to create new user accounts on the new visa services website to manage their appointments and contact customer service.

Action Required for Different Applicant Groups:

• Applicants Who Have Paid the Visa Fee but Not Scheduled an Interview: It is advised to schedule visa appointments as soon as possible and follow the instructions based on the interview date.
• Applicants Planning to Travel in August or September Who Have Not Paid the Visa Fee: It is recommended to pay the visa fee and schedule appointments immediately, noting that slots are limited. If unable to schedule before travel, consider waiting until after 26 August to begin the visa process.
• Applicants Planning to Travel After September Who Have Not Paid the MRV Fee: It is suggested to wait until after 26 August to start the visa process.

Important Dates:

• 16 August: Last day to access ustraveldocs.com for fee payments, scheduling appointments, and contacting customer service.
• 21 August: Last day to drop off documents at Premium Delivery locations.
• 23 August: Last day to drop off documents at locations in Ghana for delivery to the Embassy.
• 26 August: Launch of the new visa appointment website. Fee payments, appointment scheduling, and customer service will be available, along with new document drop-off and pick-up locations.

The US Embassy advises all applicants to complete any required steps before the transition to prevent any disruptions in their visa application process.

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