visas for members of the media (I)

Representatives of the foreign media traveling on assignment to the United States require “I” classification visas. They are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program or enter the United States on B-1 business visas. Those who attempt to do so may be denied admission to the United States by immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Please note that freelance journalists will only be considered for the “I” visa classification if they are under contract to a media organization.

Qualifying for an I Visa

Members of the media engaged in the production or distribution of film, including employees of independent production companies, will qualify for "I" classification visas only if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information or news. Definition of the term representative of the foreign media includes, but is not limited to, members of the press, radio, or film whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, editors and persons in similar occupations. It is important to note that only those whose activities are generally associated with journalism qualify for the "I" classification visa. People involved in associated activities such as proofreaders, librarians, set designers, etc. will require O, P or H visas.

While certain activities clearly qualify for "I" classification visa as they are informational in content, many do not and must be considered in the full context of their particular case. In making the determination as to whether or not an activity qualifies for the "I" classification visa, we focus on two issues: is the activity essentially informational, and is it generally associated with the news gathering process. As a general rule, stories that report on events, including sports events, are essentially informational and are usually appropriate "I" classification visa activities. Stories that involve contrived and staged events, even when unscripted, such as reality television shows, and quiz shows are not primarily informational and do not generally involve journalism. Similarly documentaries involving staged recreations with actors are also not considered informational. Members of the team working on such productions will not qualify for "I" classification visas. They will require the appropriate employment-based (O, P or H) visas.

Projects of Entertainment or Commercial Value 

If the film project is of commercial or entertainment value, the appropriate employment-based O, P or H visa will be required which will involve obtaining employment authorization and an approved petition from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States. The final determination on the appropriate classification of employment-based visa will be made by USCIS at the time the petition is filed.

Journalists Working for U.S. Media Organizations

Foreign journalists working for an overseas branch of a U.S. network, newspaper or other media outlet, are not precluded from applying for an “I” classification visa, provided they are coming to the United States solely to report on U.S. news events for a foreign audience and they will continue to be paid by the foreign based office. If the journalist is to replace or augment an American journalist reporting on events in the U.S. for a U.S. audience, then the appropriate employment-based (O or H) visa will be required.

Families of I Visa Holders

Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require derivative I visas. Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas.

Spouses and children of I visa holders may study in private or public schools the United States on the derivative I visa without obtaining a student F-1 visa.  However, spouses on I visas may not work.  If a spouse on I visa is seeking employment, he or she must seek the appropriate work visa to do so.  You as the principal I visa applicant must prove that you can support your family financially during your stay in the U.S.

Before the Interview

Before you appear at the Embassy for the interview for an I visa, be sure that you have completed the following steps and have collected the following documents to bring to the interview:

• You have scheduled your visa interview on the Internet at http://visainfo.us-visaservices.com/.
• You have filled out and printed the required forms to bring to your interview:
• DS-156 application form for all applicants (to be filled out at http://visainfo.us-visaservices.com/ when you schedule your interview)
• DS-157 supplemental form for all male applicants age 16 to 45, as well as all applicants, male or female, born in Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan or Syria.
• You have paid the processing fee at the post office and have a receipt to bring to your interview.
• Your passport is valid and has at least one blank “Visa” page.
• You have two photos that meet the photo requirements.
• You have a letter from your employer describing the work you will be doing in the United States and any other documents supporting your qualifications for the I visa.
• If you have lived in the United States, you have previous I-797, I-20, or DS-2019 forms or proof of previous study or work visa status.
• You have previous passports with U.S. visas or a list of entries and exits from the Ministry of Interior to bring to your interview.

At the Interview

At the visa interview, the consular officer will ask you to present all your documents and passport and will ask about the work you intend to perform in the United States and your qualifications.  Please be prepared to answer these questions honestly and thoroughly, and the consular officer in turn will make the decision about your eligibility based on your answers and the documents you present.