Thousands of Australians residing in the United States may face challenges in extending their stay following new visa regulations announced by the Trump administration over the weekend. Expatriate groups in the U.S. have held emergency meetings with immigration attorneys after reports of Australians being denied visa extensions under the revised rules.

Jonathan Grode, an immigration lawyer, described the situation as one of "panic mode for a lot of individuals." The new regulations require Australians on working visas to return to Australia every two years for an interview at a U.S. consulate. Previously, many Australians traveled to nearby countries like the UK or Barbados for visa renewals. The recent directive from the State Department, issued without prior notice, discourages this practice and states that applicants "must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying."

Josh Pugh, who manages the America Josh website and community for Australians in the U.S., reported that some individuals who traveled to London for visa interviews were caught off guard. "We've heard directly from about a dozen people already who have said that they got to the interview like they had many times before, they went through the process [and then were] told that their visa had been refused because of this new directive," he said. He added that this leaves many without legal status to re-enter the U.S.

Among those affected is Lauren Eather, an Australian advertising executive based in New York. Eather, who has lived in the U.S. on an E-3 working visa for nearly ten years, expressed her shock at the sudden change. "I presume we'll find a way through it, but if this [appointment] can't work, I'll have to go back to Australia and figure out when I can get an appointment [there]," she said.

The E-3 visa, established under the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement in 2005, is available exclusively to Australian citizens with a university degree and a job offer in the U.S. While the visa must be renewed every two years, there is no limit on the number of renewals. It also allows visa holders' spouses to work in the U.S. and covers their children under 21.

Amy Meyer, who operates a recruitment firm specializing in E-3 visas, organized an emergency online session with Grode, which attracted over 700 participants within 24 hours. "There's a lot of stress and concern from the community because what has historically been so easy, so straightforward, so simple is now very up in the air," she said.

Grode noted that the ambiguous language in the directive has led to confusion, even among U.S. consulate staff. He recounted a case where an individual was denied a visa extension in London, prompting his firm to seek clarification from the consulate. "They responded back and said, 'We're seeking additional guidance.' So even they feel that there is a little bit of clarification that needs to be resolved prior to full implementation of this new policy," he explained.

Grode expressed hope that the rules would be relaxed for E-3 visa holders and other professional working visas. He remarked that the Trump administration often issues proclamations and allows situations to unfold before providing further guidance. The new directive is part of a broader trend of tightening visa regulations, which includes proposals to alter conditions for student and media worker visas.

Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of these changes, particularly for journalists. Reporters Without Borders USA executive director Clayton Weimers warned that the proposed changes could have "catastrophic consequences," creating a system with a high potential for abuse against those who criticize the administration's policies.