Visa Categories
U.S. Visas for Press and Broadcast Media
Press and broadcast media applicants may require different types of nonimmigrant visas depending on the purpose of travel.
Employees of magazines, newspapers, television and radio networks, and other media organizations going to the U.S. in order to report on current events can be issued I (Media Representative) visas. Evidence that you are an accredited media representative is required. Freelance journalists must also present a current employment contract at the interview.
Media representatives going to the U.S. to attend meetings as ordinary participants (you will not report on the meeting) or to purchase or sell media equipment or broadcast rights are considered ordinary business visitors. Media representatives taking a vacation in the U.S. (that you will not report on) are considered ordinary tourist travelers.
Members of the media engaged in the production or distribution of a film can only qualify for the I visa if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information or news; the film cannot be used primarily for commercial entertainment or advertising purposes. Additionally, your primary source and distribution of funding must be outside the United States and you must hold a credential issued by a professional journalistic association.
You may not use an I visa to produce artistic media content, commercial entertainment or advertising. Such endeavors require a temporary worker visa (usually an H, O, P, Q or L) and require a petition approved in advance of the visa interview by the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS division.
For additional information about I and B visas, please visit the Department of State's web site at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1276.html.
To learn more about filing a petition for a temporary worker visa, please visit the USCIS website: http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/tempbenefits/TempWorker.htm
To schedule an interview through the Visa Call Center, click here
