Visa Types
Journalists & Members of the Media
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. Freelance journalists may be considered for the I visa classification only 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 or P visas for artists and entertainers, or H employment visas.
While certain activities clearly qualify for I classification visas 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 a team working on such productions will not qualify for I classification visas, but rather should seek O or P visas for artists and entertainers, or H employment visas.
Documents Required for I:
- Letter from employer describing position, intent of travel, and duration of stay in the United States
- For freelance journalists: copy of signed and dated employment contract
What about projects of a commercial or entertainment value?
If the film project is of commercial or entertainment value, then travelers should seek O or P visas for artists and entertainers, or H employment visas. The sponsor, organizer, or employer in the United States begins the O, P, or H visa process by filing a Form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. USCIS will determine whether the alien qualifies for the these visa categories. Any questions concerning eligibility should be addressed to the appropriate USCIS office.
What about journalists working for a U.S. 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 traveler should seek an O or P visa for artists and entertainers, or an H employment visa.
Spouses, Children, & Partners
Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay must obtain derivative I visas. Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but who intend to visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for B-2 visitor visas or to travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program.
More information for unmarried partners and common-law spouses.
I versus F-1
There is no requirement that the spouse and/or children of an I visa holder apply for an F-1 student visa if they wish to study in the U.S.; they may study on a derivative I visa. However, if they are qualified, they may apply for the F-1 visa. If you have school age children, you should refer to the regulations governing the issuance of F-1 visas.
Working on a derivative I visa
The holder of a derivative I visa may not work. If he or she is seeking employment, the appropriate work visa will be required.
Please note that we can give no assurances in advance regarding the issuance of visas. Therefore, please do not make final travel plans or purchase nonrefundable tickets until a visa has been issued.