The US Embassy in Ghana demands student visa seekers make their social media accounts public before interviews. Officials say this stronger screening helps create better applicant profiles and protects the visa system. Consul General Elliot Fertik told Joy News that social media reviews have always happened but students face extra attention under current rules. The embassy wants complete pictures of people applying for visas. Online activity that criticizes America might hurt visa chances.
Fertik warned that visa rule breakers face serious punishment that could last forever. People who stay past their visa dates or commit fraud may never enter America again. Some violators could face court cases or criminal charges. These problems also hurt honest applicants and damage trust between countries. The consul general stressed that breaking visa rules creates lasting problems.
The embassy leader told Ghanaians to avoid fake visa helpers who promise easy approvals. These scammers steal money from hopeful travelers and lie about their services. Fertik said success comes from clear answers during short interviews rather than bringing many papers. Students must explain their school plans and prove they can pay for education costs. The embassy receives three times more visa requests than five years ago but promises fair treatment without secret rejection quotas.
Fertik warned that visa rule breakers face serious punishment that could last forever. People who stay past their visa dates or commit fraud may never enter America again. Some violators could face court cases or criminal charges. These problems also hurt honest applicants and damage trust between countries. The consul general stressed that breaking visa rules creates lasting problems.
The embassy leader told Ghanaians to avoid fake visa helpers who promise easy approvals. These scammers steal money from hopeful travelers and lie about their services. Fertik said success comes from clear answers during short interviews rather than bringing many papers. Students must explain their school plans and prove they can pay for education costs. The embassy receives three times more visa requests than five years ago but promises fair treatment without secret rejection quotas.
