Foreign reporters, athletes and entertainers based in the United States will no longer be able to renew their visas without leaving the country first, according to new rules from next week.
Previously, visas were allowed to be renewed by mail. But from July 16th, those on work visas will have to leave the country and reapply for their visas and submit fingerprints in US embassies or consulates abroad.
The State Department said the new requirement will apply to holders of "E," "H," "I," "O," "L," and "P," visas. It will not apply to foreign diplomats or people who work at international organisations such as the United Nations.
The move, which comes just five months before the presidential elections, is likely to affect an estimated 20,000 journalists. It would potentially cause problems for the thousands of freelance and staff reporters based in the country on a semi-permanent basis. Overall, the new legislation is likely to affect hundreds of thousands of people.
The State Department said that the action is needed to comply with the new homeland security legislation, which requires all visas issued after October 26th to include biometric information such as fingerprints.
There will be a fast-tracking of visa applications from those who had previously had their visa reissued in the United State.
Some appointments could also be allowed to be made over the Internet or by phone. But applicants will still have to turn up in person to be interviewed and renew their visa.
Additional reporting: Reuters