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I Visa
What Is I Visa?
The I Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for bona fide representatives of foreign media (press, radio, film, print) traveling temporarily to the U.S. solely to engage in their profession.
The work must be informational or educational, essential to the foreign media organization's function, and primarily for foreign audiences. It facilitates international information exchange.
Who Qualifies for an I Visa?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a bona fide representative of foreign media (press, radio, film, etc.). Consular officers determine this.
- Travel to the U.S. solely to engage in their profession for that outlet.
- Represent an organization with its home office in a foreign country.
- Perform activities that are informational/educational and essential to the media function (e.g., news gathering, reporting). Commercial entertainment/advertising work does not qualify.
- Be from a country granting reciprocal privileges to U.S. media.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Direct employees (reporters, film crews, editors) of foreign media.
- Employees of independent production companies (with journalistic credentials) filming news/documentaries (informational, foreign-funded/distributed).
- Contracted/freelance journalists (with credentials/contract) working on informational/news products.
- Film production/distribution staff (if material is informational/educational, foreign-funded/distributed).
- Accredited representatives of foreign government tourist bureaus (disseminating factual info).
- Certain employees distributing technical industrial information.
Documentation needs vary (e.g., contracts for freelancers, credentials for independent production staff).
Important Distinctions
- Entertainment/Advertising: Work primarily for commercial entertainment or advertising requires other visas (O, P), not the I visa.
- VWP/B Visas: Foreign media representatives cannot use the Visa Waiver Program or B visas for professional work; an I visa is mandatory.
I Visa Length
I Visa holders are typically admitted for “duration of status” (D/S), meaning they can stay as long as they continue the same qualifying work for the same foreign media employer.
I Visa Application Process
Step 1: Complete Online Application (DS-160)
Step 2: Schedule Consular Interview
Step 3: Pay Required Fees
Step 4: Gather Required Documentation
- Valid Passport (valid 6+ months beyond stay, unless exempt).
- DS-160 Confirmation Page.
- Photo (if upload failed).
- Fee Payment Receipt.
- Proof of Employment/Assignment (e.g., employer letter, contract, journalistic credential).
- Check specific embassy/consulate website for any additional requirements.
Step 5: Attend Visa Interview
Questions? You’re covered.
Be a bona fide rep of foreign media with a foreign home office, traveling solely for informational work. Requires passport, DS-160, fee payment, interview, and proof of employment.
Yes, spouse and children under 21 can get derivative I visas. They can study but cannot work.
Usually "Duration of Status" (D/S), as long as you maintain qualifying employment. Exceptions exist (e.g., PRC nationals often get 90 days).
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