Media / Journalists (I)

The I visa for members of the media is a non-immigrant visa for representatives of the foreign media temporarily traveling to the United States (U.S.) while having their home office in a foreign country., or a U.S.-based subsidiary of a foreign media company.  The "representatives of the foreign media" include members of the press, radio, film or print industries such as reporters, film crews, editors and persons in similar occupations.  Mainstream filmmakers are not eligible for the I visa.  Additionally, freelance journalists and members of independent production companies will only be considered if they are under contract to a media organization.  Foreign media covering the United Nations do not need an I visa.

Duration
The I visa is issued in increments of one year.  If an extension is necessary, a specific application must be submitted with explanatory documents from the employer justifying stay in the U.S.

Spouses and Unmarried Children
Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible for a derivative I status.


Qualifying Activities


The applicant must be engaging in qualifying activities that are generally associated with the news gathering process, reporting on actual current events, etc., to be eligible for the visa.  Some examples of media related activities include, but are not limited to the following:
  1. Primary employees of foreign information media engaged in filming a news event or documentary.
  2. Members of the media engaged in the production or distribution of film will only qualify for a media visa if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information or news.  Additionally, the primary source and distribution of funding must be outside the U.S.
  3. Journalists working under contract - Persons holding a credential issued by a professional journalistic organization, if working under contract on a product to be used abroad by an information or cultural medium to disseminate information or news not primarily intended for commercial entertainment or advertising.  A valid employment contract is required.
  4. Employees of independent production companies when those employees hold a credential issued by a professional journalistic association.
  5. Foreign journalists working for an overseas branch office or subsidiary of a U.S. network, newspaper or other media outlet if the journalist is going to the U.S. to report on U.S. events solely for a foreign audience.
  6. Accredited representatives of tourist bureaus, controlled, operated, or subsidized in whole or in part by a foreign government, who engage primarily in disseminating factual tourist information about that country, and who are not entitled to A-2 visa classification.
  7. Technical industrial information - Employees in the U.S. offices of organizations, which distribute technical industrial information.

Documentation



The following documents and evidence are required for a successful application for an I visa.

  1. Form DS-160 - online Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application

  2. Passport - A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the U.S. (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).  If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application;

  3. Passport Photo - One (1) 2x2 photograph per application.  See the required photo format explained in Photograph Requirements.
  4. Proof of employment – Provide the following:
    • Staff Journalist: A letter from the employer that gives the employees name, position held within the company, and purpose and length of stay in the U.S.

    • Freelance Journalist under contract to a media organization: A copy of the contract with the organization, which shows the employees name, position held within the company; purpose and length of stay in the U.S. and duration of contract.

    • Media Film Crew: a letter from the employer which gives the following information: name; position held within company; title and brief description of the program being filmed and period of time required for filming in the U.S.

    • Independent Production Company under contract to media organization: a letter from the organization commissioning the work which gives the following information: name; title and brief description of the program being filmed; period of time required for filming in the U.S. and duration of contract.

    • Non-immigrant visa application processing fee - Provide a receipt showing the visa application processing fee has been paid when going to your visa interview.  See the current fees here.

 
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ImmigrationLinks Qualifications

  1. Representative of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media.
  2. Will be authorized admission for the duration of their status.
  3. May not change information medium or employer unless approved by USCIS.
  4. Spouse and children can obtain accompanying alien status.  They may attend school, but are not permitted to be employed.

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