Non-Immigrant Visas

Media Representatives Visa

Representatives of the foreign media traveling to the United States on assignment, engaged in filming a news event or documentary, etc., require an “I” visa. They are not eligible to enter the United States on B1 or B2 visa for these purposes.

Representatives of the foreign media include, but are not limited to, members of the press, radio, or film whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, video tape editors and persons in similar occupations.

Important: Freelance journalists and members of independent production companies traveling to the U.S. on assignment must be under contract to a media organization and should hold a credential issued by a professional journalistic association.   Freelance journalists and members of independent production companies must submit a letter from the organization commissioning the work which gives the following information: name; title and description of the program being filmed; period of time required for filming in the U.S. and duration of contract, as well as press card/credentials.

Please Note: Individuals and/or employees of companies commissioned to work on film projects of a commercial or entertainment value require the appropriate temporary employment visas which will involve obtaining employment authorization from the office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for a visa at this Embassy.