Media and Press (I Visa)

Media visas are for “representatives of the foreign media” traveling to the U.S. to engage in their profession include members of the press, radio, film or print industries whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, and editors. The applicant must be engaging in qualifying activities for a media organization headquartered outside the United States. The activity must be essentially informational, generally associated with the news gathering process, and reporting on actual current events to be eligible for the media visa. The consular officer will determine whether or not an activity qualifies for the media visa.  Reporting on sports events are usually appropriate for the media visa. Other examples can be found on the Department of State website.

Media representatives and freelance workers working on materials intended for commercial entertainment and advertising are not qualified for an I visa, and should contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about applying for a temporary worker visa.

APPLYING FOR A VISA

1. Please follow the steps listed on the “How to apply” page to submit your application and prepare the required documents.
2. Please present your press credential.
3. Please present a letter from your employer or the organization commissioning the work showing your name, position, the work in the US, and length of stay in the U.S.
4. Freelance journalist must also present their U.S. work contract.
5. Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal media visa holder in the U.S. for the duration of his/her stay require media visas.  The application procedure is the same as for a principal media visa applicant.  They should provide proof of their relationship to the principal applicant such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate or household registration.  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 presented with the application.