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Members of the Media (I)
 

Representatives of the foreign media traveling on assignment to the United States require “I” classification visas. They are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program or enter the United States on B-1 business visas. Those who attempt to do so may be denied admission to the United States by immigration authorities at the port of entry.

Important: Please note that freelance journalists will only be considered for the “I” visa classification if they are under contract to a media organization.

Who qualifies

Members of the media engaged in the production or distribution of film, including employees of independent production companies, will qualify for “I” classification visas only if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information or news. Definition of the term representative of the foreign media includes, but is not limited to, members of the press, radio, or film whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, editors and persons in similar occupations. It is important to note that only those whose activities are generally associated with journalism qualify for the “I” classification visa. People involved in associated activities such as proofreaders, librarians, set designers, etc. will require O, P or H visas.

While certain activities clearly qualify for “I” classification 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 the “I” classification visa, we focus on two issues: is the activity essentially informational, and is it generally associated with the news gathering process. As a general rule, stories that report on events, including sports events, are essentially informational and are usually appropriate “I” classification visa activities. Stories that involve contrived and staged events, even when unscripted, such as reality television 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 “I” classification visas. They will require the appropriate employment-based (O, P or H) visas.

Journalists working for an American Media Organization

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” classification 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 (O or H) visa will be required.

Projects of a Commercial or Entertainment Value

If the film project is of commercial or entertainment value, the appropriate employment-based O, P or H visa will be required which will involve obtaining employment authorization and an approved petition from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States. The final determination on the appropriate classification of employment-based visa will be made by the USCIS at the time the petition is filed.

Applicants who wish to apply for representatives of foreign media visa must come in person to the U.S. Embassy.  To schedule an appointment, please click here

Documents required for I visa are:

  1. A valid passport that has been signed by the applicant and, where applicable,
    • Previous passport with previously issued visa or
    • Police report in case of theft or loss of a previous passport with valid visa.  The report may be issued by a local police station or consular office or other foreign authority.
    • If you have ever been arrested and /or have a criminal conviction, have a medical ineligibility, or have been denied entry into or deported from the United States, you will be required to furnish documents relating to your situation in support of your application.
  2. The paid duplicate receipt from Piraeus Bank (see step 3).
  3. The printed confirmation page containing the barcode generated by the DS-160 online application form (see step 4).
  4. One photograph that meets the required specifications (see step 5). Even if you have successfully uploaded the photo to the DS-160 please bring one with you on the day of your appointment.
  5. Proof of employment:

    • Staff Journalist: A letter from the employer that gives the employee’s name, position held within the company, and purpose and length of stay in the United States.
    • Freelance Journalist under contract to a media organization: A copy of the contract with the organization, which shows the employee’s name, position held within the company, purpose and length of stay in the United States and duration of contract.
    • Media Film Crew: Α letter from the employer which gives the following information: name, position held within company, title and brief description of the program being filmed and period of time required for filming in the United States.
    • Independent Production Company under contract to media organization: Α letter from the organization commissioning the work which gives the following information: name, title and brief description of the program being filmed, period of time required for filming in the United States and duration of contract.
  6. Press credentials or identification if available.


Reminder: We always recommend that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.