The U.S. State Department has announced it is easing visa restrictions for Iranian student applicants, making them eligible to receive multiple-entry visas that are valid for up to two years.
Iranian students could previously receive only a single-entry U.S. visa good for up to three months.
The move is part of the Obama administration's efforts to reach out to the Iranian people.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made the announcement May 20 in a video posted on the State Department's website, as well as on YouTube, where the video has Farsi subtitles.
"I've heard from many Iranian students and Iranian-Americans that you wanted this change, so I want you to know that we are listening to your concerns,” Clinton says in the video. “We want more dialogue and more exchange with those of you who are shaping Iran's future."
Clinton added that the U.S. will support the aspirations and rights of the Iranian people and "look for new ways to fuel more opportunities for real change in Iran."
RFE/RL’s Washington Bureau