Non-Immigrant Visas

Media and Journalists

Foreign journalists and media representatives who will engage in information media activities in the United States must obtain a media (I) visa. Such activities cannot be conducted on B-1 visas. Those attempting to do so may be denied admission to the United States by immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Activities Which Qualify for a Media (I) Visa:

Under immigration law, media visas are for "representatives of the foreign media," including members of the press, radio, film, or print industries, whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, editors and persons in similar occupations. The consular officer will determine whether or not an activity qualifies for the media visa. The activity must be essentially informational, and generally associated with the newsgathering process of reporting on actual current events.

Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly qualified to be issued a media visa. The following persons are examples of media personnel:

• Primary employees of foreign information media engaged in filming a news event or documentary
• Media members engaged in the production or distribution of films will only qualify for a media visa if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information or news. Additionally, the primary source and distribution of funding must be outside the United States.
• Freelance journalists working under contract will qualify if they have a valid employment contract with a media organization. They must be working under contract on a product to be shown to a foreign audience that is not primarily intended for commercial entertainment or advertising.
• Members of the sports media who are reporting on sports events to be shown to a foreign audience
• Employees of independent production companies holding credentials issued by a professional journalistic association
• Foreign journalists working for an overseas branch office or subsidiary of a U.S. network, newspaper or other media outlet if the journalist is going to the United States to report on U.S. events solely for a foreign audience and will continue to be paid by the foreign-based office.

As non-immigrants, applicants must also demonstrate that:

• They will remain in the U.S. for a temporary and specific period
• They have evidence of funds to cover expenses in the U.S.
• They possess evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad which will ensure their return at the end of the visit

Activities Which Do Not Qualify for a Media (I) Visa:

While certain activities clearly qualify for an "I" 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 a media visa, the consular officer will focus on two issues:

-  Is the activity essentially informational?
 - Is the activity generally associated with the news gathering process

Some examples of activities that would not qualify, and would instead require the appropriate employment-based H, O or P visa, are:

• Filming material for commercial entertainment or advertising purposes. A media visa cannot be used for employees to work on a film which will be used primarily for commercial entertainment or advertising purposes. A temporary worker visa is required.
• Proofreaders, librarians, set designers and other media associated positions are not eligible for media visas and may qualify under another classification, such as an H, O or P visa.
• Staged events, television and quiz shows. Scripted and unscripted stories that involve contrived and staged events, such as television shows, reality 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 a media visa. Television, radio and film production companies may wish to seek expert counsel from an immigration attorney who specializes in media work for specific advice tailored to the current project.
• Artistic media content production. Media representatives who will travel to the U.S. in order to participate in the production of artistic media content (in which actors are used) will not qualify for a media visa. Television, radio and film production companies may wish to seek expert counsel from an immigration attorney who specializes in media work for specific advice tailored to the current project.

Spouses and Children: Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal media visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require media visas (derivative I visas). The application procedure is the same as for a primary media visa applicant. If the spouse and/or children apply for visas at a later date, a copy of the principal visa holder's media visa must be submitted with the application.

The spouse and/or children of a media visa holder may not work in the United States. If employment is desired, the appropriate work visa will be required.

The spouse and/or children of a media visa holder who are in the U.S. on a derivative I visa may study in the U.S. without also being required to apply for a student (F-1) visa.

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 a visitor (B-2) visa.

Application Procedures: For information on applying for this visa, please see “How to Apply.”

Due to new security regulations, some applications may require additional clearance and longer processing. Since the application process cannot be accelerated, please apply well in advance of your travel date, and do not purchase plane tickets until you have received your visa. Applicants should refrain from calling the Embassy to inquire about the status of their application. Visa applicants should never assume their application will be automatically approved.