The United States Embassy in Ghana has introduced a new requirement for student visa applicants: making their social media profiles publicly accessible prior to attending visa interviews.
This updated screening process, according to embassy officials, aims to provide a broader and deeper understanding of applicants, ensuring that only eligible individuals are granted visas.
In an interview with Joy News, Elliot Fertik, Consul General at the US Embassy in Accra, said that while social media checks have been part of the vetting toolkit for years, the Embassy is now placing greater emphasis on it, particularly for students.
“We’ve always had the ability to review social media as part of our visa assessments,” Fertik explained.
“What’s changed now is that we are applying this more consistently, especially for student visa applicants.”
He clarified that the approach is not about singling out individuals arbitrarily, but about creating a complete picture of an applicant’s background.
The embassy, he noted, considers both what is presented during the application process and publicly available information online.
“Sometimes, what we find on social media can be relevant to our decision,” he noted, stressing that the policy is targeted at addressing potential concerns among a very small group of applicants, not the majority.
Asked whether an applicant’s past posts—particularly those critical of the United States—could influence a visa decision, Fertik acknowledged that it is a possibility.
“It could have an effect. Each case is considered on its own facts,” he said.
“We are not punishing free speech, but we do look at whether someone’s behavior or statements raise red flags about their intentions.”
He also delivered a strong warning to individuals considering overstaying their visas or violating visa terms. Such actions, he said, can have serious consequences, including long-term or permanent ineligibility for US entry, and in some cases, even legal prosecution.
“Overstaying a visa or providing false information can come with significant penalties,” Fertik said.
“People have been barred from entering the US for years, and in extreme cases, for life.”
He also warned against relying on self-styled visa “consultants” or “agents” who promise guaranteed approvals or quick appointments for a fee.
Fertik emphasized that these individuals often exploit hopeful applicants and offer no real advantage.
“They’re taking your money under false pretenses. We’ve seen people lose thousands of cedis to scammers who claim to have inside access or shortcuts to the process,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about arbitrary denials, Fertik reaffirmed that visa decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, with no preset quotas or predetermined outcomes.
“We don’t have a target for how many people we approve or deny. Each application is judged on its own merit.”
Applicants, particularly students, were advised to clearly explain their academic goals and how they intend to pay for their studies in the U.S., especially in light of rising education costs.
Fertik noted that interview decisions often hinge on the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate their plans and intentions, rather than on documents alone.
The Consul General also acknowledged the mounting frustration over long wait times for interviews, attributing the delays to a surge in demand.
“From 2019 to 2023, the number of people paying visa fees has tripled,” he revealed.
“We simply cannot accommodate every request for an interview right away. People need to apply early and plan accordingly.”
The Embassy reiterated its commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent visa process and encouraged the public to seek information only from official sources.
