Ghana is the only African country whose citizens will not be eligible to apply for the US Diversity Visa programme in 2026, according to the US Department of State. The decision affects approximately 1,000 applicants from Ghana, who will be excluded from the annual green card lottery. The programme, which aims to diversify immigration, typically offers 55,000 visas to participants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
The exclusion was announced as part of the 2026 visa programme guidelines, which adjust eligibility based on historical immigration data. While other African nations such as Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa remain eligible, Ghana’s citizens are not included. The move has sparked discussions among immigration experts and affected applicants.
The US government has not provided specific reasons for the exclusion, but it aligns with past decisions to limit participation from countries with higher immigration rates. Applicants from Ghana will need to explore alternative immigration pathways. The 2026 lottery will open in early 2025.
