US President Donald Trump. (Photo: REUTERS)

This move is the next step in the administration’s efforts to tighten immigration control while still ensuring that a large number of fans can come to the US to attend upcoming international events.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration had dispatched more than 400 additional consular officers around the world to handle the demand for visas for the World Cup and that in about 80% of the globe, travelers to the US can get a visa appointment within 60 days.

Others to be prioritized include foreign diplomats, government officials traveling on official business, temporary agricultural workers, religious workers, physicians and nurses, and students attending academic institutions with less than 15% foreign enrollment.