Non-Immigrant Visas

Information Media Visas

Visitors to the United States who report on news events and who are engaged in activities to gather information for the media must obtain an I visa. This includes reporters, film crews, video tape editors, employees of independent production companies, free-lance journalists working under contract, and persons in similar occupations. Both print and film activities are included in this category. However, if the visitor is filming, the film must be of an informational or educational nature. An I visa cannot be used to film material which is used primarily for commercial entertainment or advertising purposes.

Journalists and media workers can qualify for the I-visa, if they are being assigned to reside in the US as representatives of a foreign press, radio, film, or other information medium which as a home office in a foreign country and the applicant's government allows for reciprocal visas to American information media.

The applicant must provide a letter from his employer describing job activities and length of stay in the US.

Spouse and children accompanying the principal applicant can qualify under the same visa category.

Also Keep In Mind

Applicants who seek to work on a film which is primarily intended for entertainment or advertising must obtain a temporary worker visa, categories H, O, or P depending on the nature of the job and the skills level involved. Applicants should have their managers or agents contact the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the state where they intend to work.

Employees of independent production companies and free-lance media workers may qualify for I-visas if they are working under contract on a product to be used for its news value or as a documentary not primarily for commercial entertainment or for advertising purposes. The employee should hold credentials issued by a professional journalistic association. Consular officers may ask to see these credentials before adjudicating applications for I visas.