New visa guidelines at a glance

> Visas that have already been approved will not be revoked. > New applicants must prove a close family relationship (with a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-inlaw, daughter-in-law or sibling already in the United States to be eligible). > Grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, fiancees or other extended family members are not considered to be close relationships. > The same requirement, with some exceptions, holds for wouldbe refugees from all nations that are still awaiting approval for admission to the US. > Any relationship with a US entity “must be formal, documented, and formed in the ordinary course. > Journalists, students, workers or lecturers who have valid invitations or employment contracts in the US would be exempt from the ban. > Consular officers may grant other exemptions to applicants if they have “previously established significant contacts with the US”; “significant business or professional obligations” in the US; if they are an infant, adopted child or in need of urgent medical care; if they are travelling for business with a recognised international organisation or the US government or if they are a legal resident of Canada who applies for a visa in Canada. > Consulates should continue to interview applicants for socalled diversity visas, which are granted to individuals from countries that typically do not send many immigrants to the United States. > Those eligible for family or employment-based immigrant visa applications are exempt from the travel ban. > A hotel reservation would not count as someone with a bona fide relationship. > New rules take effect at 8pm EDT on Thursday.