ISLAMABAD, June 24: The US State Department has decided to stop re-issuing certain categories of non-immigrant visas in the US from July 16, 2004. This will affect visas in categories 'C, E, H, I, L, O and P,' said a press release issued on Thursday by the US embassy in Islamabad.

The statement said that one of the reasons for the change was that after Oct 24, 2004, US visas "must include biometric identifiers" such as fingerprints. "It is not feasible for the State Department to collect biometric identifiers in the US," the statement said.

However, the statement added, all visa-adjudicating posts abroad would have fingerprint-scanning equipment installed before the October deadline. "After July 16, persons, who depart the US and require new visas to re-enter, should seek assistance at a US embassy or consulate abroad.

Applicants should obtain an interview appointment before travelling," it added.