US pauses visa issuance globally for training, federal court overturns immigrant visa ban for Ghana and other African nations

A US State Department spokesperson announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, that this training aims to help consular officers screen applicants deemed likely to become dependent on US public benefits and to ensure comprehensive and consistent evaluation of visa applicants. Affected visa applicants have been notified of postponements. Meanwhile, a federal court in the US has reversed the suspension of immigrant visas for Ghana and 25 other African countries.

Judge Jeannette Vargas of the Southern District of New York ruled that the policy, which took effect on January 21, 2026, was illegal and that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio abused his power in implementing it. The policy had suspended immigrant visas to 75 countries, including 26 African nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda, and DR Congo, citing applicants from these countries as being at "high risk for becoming a public charge" on US welfare systems.