Condoleezza Rice, secretary of state, announced changes in visa application process “to achieve a faster, more secure and more respectful process of welcoming foreign visitors to the US”.
Students can now receive visas up to 120 days in advance of their studies, up from 90 days now, and can come to the US 45 days before their programme begins, up from 30 days.
The US will develop a secure, biometric card as an alternative to a passport for visitors from Mexico and Canada.
A pilot projectwill be set up to allow visa applicants to do their interviews by digital videoconference rather than travelling to a US consulate.
The government will enhance co-operation with companies and universities by creating a permanent advisory board.
The US will set up a “redress” process to address travellers’ complaints about their treatment at borders or consulates abroad.
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