Non-Immigrant Visas

Media Visa (I)

Journalists and media professionals travelling on assignment to the United States to disseminate information or news to a foreign audience require a special "I" visa.  They cannot act in this capacity with a business visa (B-1) or any other visa class.  Those who attempt to do so may be denied admission to the United States at the port of entry.  Individuals traveling to the United States to produce footage for entertainment or commercial benefit require a special petition-based visa or temporary work visa and do not need to seek an "I" visa.

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” 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 visa will be required.

At the time of the interview, the applicant must submit a passport valid for 6 months after the intended date of travel and must have his/her name and childrens' names written in Latin characters.  In addition, all applicants must fill out the DS-156 visa application form online in English and submit a copy at the time of their interview with a photo meeting the proper criteria as well as pay the USD$100 or local currency equivalent non-refundable visa application fee.  All applicants aged 16 and older must also submit the DS-157  supplemental visa application form. Proof of accreditation with a foreign journalistic body and a letter from an employer is not required, but can facilitate the application process.