Nonimmigrant Visas

Journalist Visas (I)

If you are a representative of a press, film or other information organization, and you are traveling to the United States as a foreign media representative, you may be eligible for an I visa.

If you are a representative of a press, radio, film or other information organization, and you are traveling to the United States as a foreign media representative, you may be eligible for an I visa. To qualify for this visa, you must be traveling to work on informational or educational material, and you must be able to demonstrate that you are an accredited media representative. Employees of U.S. media organizations are not eligible for this category of visa. Freelance media workers may qualify for this type of visa, if they are working under contract on a product to be used abroad by an informational or cultural medium to disseminate information or news. In order to qualify for an I visa, freelance media representatives must present press credentials and a valid contract from a foreign media organization for the work in the U.S. Media representatives and freelance workers on materials intended for commercial entertainment and advertising are not qualified for an I visa, and should contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about applying for a temporary worker visa. If you think you meet the requirements for an I visa, you may apply in person at the U.S. Consulate General. Applicants should present their press credentials, and a letter from their employer describing the work in the United States. Freelance workers must also present their U.S. work contract.

 

See also: Visiting the U.S.
See also: I (Media) Visa Revalidation (by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State - Visa section)

 

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Last modified: November 7, 2008