Ghana Overtakes Nigeria in U.S. Visa Overstay Rates, Report Shows

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A recent report from the U.S. government reveals a significant shift in visa overstay patterns, with Ghana now exceeding Nigeria in the rate of misuse of non-immigrant visas. The report, which covers the period from October 2022 to September 2023, provides a detailed analysis of travelers who stayed in the U.S. beyond their authorized time without proper extensions or recorded departures.

Key Findings

The data indicates that 510,363 individuals overstayed their visas while remaining in the U.S., representing 1.31% of expected departures. An additional 54,792 overstayed but eventually departed, accounting for 0.14% of expected departures.

In 2023, Ghanaians were issued 25,454 B1/B2 visas—typically granted for tourism or business—with 1,910 of these individuals overstaying, translating to a 7.50% overstay rate. For student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J categories), Ghana recorded a higher overstay rate of 21%, as 537 out of 2,559 visa holders remained unlawfully in the U.S.Ghana Overtakes Nigeria in U.S. Visa Overstay Rates, Report Shows

This marks a decline in Ghana’s compliance compared to 2019, when its B1/B2 overstay rate was 5.09%, and its student visa overstay rate was 12.7%.

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How Nigeria Compares

Nigeria, traditionally highlighted for visa overstay concerns, recorded a marginally better performance in 2023. With 84,051 B1/B2 visas issued, Nigeria’s overstay rate was 7.14%, with 6,000 individuals overstaying. For student and exchange visitor visas, Nigeria reported a 15.60% overstay rate—lower than Ghana’s 21%.

Back in 2019, Nigeria issued 177,835 B1/B2 visas with a 9.88% overstay rate and a 13.43% overstay rate for student visas. The data suggests that while Nigeria has seen some improvements, challenges remain.

Broader Regional Trends

Other African nations also showed notable overstay rates:

  • Togo: 19%
  • Burkina Faso: 12.13%
  • Ivory Coast: 7.48%
  • Mali: 5.27%

Understanding Visa Overstays

A visa overstay occurs when an individual remains in the U.S. beyond their authorized period. These are classified into:

  • In-country overstays: No recorded departure.
  • Out-of-country overstays: Departure after the permitted time.Ghana Overtakes Nigeria in U.S. Visa Overstay Rates, Report Shows

The report highlights that determining true compliance is complex, requiring a review of extensions or status adjustments, in addition to entry and exit records.

Improved Monitoring and Compliance

The latest findings reflect advancements in data collection and analysis, providing more accurate insights into international travelers’ visa compliance. As the U.S. continues to monitor these trends, the report underscores the need for better education on visa terms and stricter adherence to regulations by travelers.

This data also raises important questions about migration patterns, bilateral agreements, and the broader socio-economic factors influencing overstays in African nations.

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