Foreign Media Visa Overview
I Class Nonimmigrant Visa for Foreign Media
The I visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa issued to members of foreign media, including correspondents for radio, television, print and other media. Because recipients of this visa must be employed with a foreign media agency, this is its sole and necessary qualification.
This page is designed to guide you through the application process for an I-class visa, and answer many common questions about employment visas. However, an immigration lawyer can help you understand these processes in much greater detail and can also help you with the applications for your I visa.
What You’ll Find on This Page:
Who Qualifies for an I Media Visa?
Workers and employees of media organizations having home office in a foreign country performing activities that are essentially informational and associated with the news gathering process are eligible for the I visa.
Employees typically qualifying for the I media visa include reporters, film crews, editors, primary employees of foreign information media engaged in filming a news event or documentary, journalists working under contract, employees of independent production companies, foreign journalists working for an overseas branch office or subsidiary of a U.S. network, accredited representatives of tourist bureaus, and persons in similar occupations.
However, if members of a foreign media organization are participating in certain activities, such as commercial or artistic productions that are not intended for news purposes, they must obtain a different visa for this activity.
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Exchange Visitor Visa Application process
Visa Application and Forms
For the I visa, the standard nonimmigrant visa applications must be completed and submitted, detailing your personal information. You must also produce a verifiable proof of affiliation with the foreign media agency for which you are employed, such as a press credential, letter or contract from your employer.
The standard forms required for application include Form DS-156, the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, as well as Form DS-158, Contact Information and Work History. Some individuals, including all male applicants between 16-45 and those coming from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran (and other so-called “terrorist states”), will be required to complete a Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157.
You must also possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of your stay and submit a standard 2x2 photograph of yourself with your application.
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Visa Interview
The application process for media employees involves an interview (for persons 14-79 years old), which are scheduled by the U.S. consulate or embassy where you applied after your application has been approved. At the interview, a digital fingerprint will be taken.
The wait time for an interview varies, and so it makes sense to schedule it as early as possible before you plan to leave. The State Department website provides a helpful waiting time list for consulates around the world to help you plan on when your interview will be scheduled.
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Application Fees
On January 1, 2008, the Department of State raised the fees for visa services. The current application fee for any visa is $131. If your application is approved and your visa is issued, you will also be charged a "visa issuance" fee of an additional $131.
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Entering the United States
Under U.S. law, foreign media coming to the United States from a country with reciprocity for travel under the Visa Waiver Program cannot use these travel privileges if they are visiting in their capacity as a member of the media. In all cases, such a media member must obtain a media visa before entering the United States.
However, such a visitor visa can be obtained if you are visiting the United States for non-media-related purposes, such as attending a conference or taking a vacation, provided that you do not report on the event in an official capacity.
At the port of entry, the DHS Customs and Border Protection officials will meet with you to permit or deny entry into the United States. The length of your visit will be determined on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. You will also be enrolled in the US-VISIT entry-exit program at the port of entry.
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Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with an I Visa?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may be classified as a nonimmigrant visitor to accompany or join you, under the I-2 status. They may apply as an attachment to your I visa application, or separately, with proof of the original I visa.
However, anyone who receives a visa as spouse or child of a temporary worker may not accept employment in the United States; you as the main applicant must show that you are able to support your entire family throughout your stay. However, your children or spouse may study in the U.S. without an F student visa, or may obtain a B visitor visa (or travel with no visa if qualified under the Visa Waiver Program) if not residing with you or visiting only for vacation.
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Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on an I Visa?
Yes. You may apply for an extension of your visa filing Form I-539, 'Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status" with USCIS before your current visa expires. You may include any dependents who also wish to extend their visa on this form when you submit it. There is a filing fee of $300 to be paid upon submission.
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Speak to an Immigration Lawyer for More Information about the I Media Visa!
The application process for an I Visa can be difficult and time-consuming if you are not familiar with U.S. immigration policies. Even if you have provided acceptable credentials of your employment by the foreign media organization, you may encounter difficulty bringing your family over with you, or another obstacle that an immigration lawyer can examine in greater detail.
If you'd like to speak with an immigration lawyer, simply call us at (877) 444-1074 or fill out our Immigration Case Evaluation Form.