I- Visa For The News Media

Eligibility

Representatives of the foreign news media travelling to the U.S. on assignment may be eligible for classification under the “I” visa category. This may include representatives of the press, radio, film or television whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, editors and persons in similar occupations. Please note that only those who are actually involved in the newsgathering process are eligible (proof readers, librarians, or set designers are not eligible).

Freelance journalists and members of independent production companies will also be considered for an “I” visa if they are under contract to a media organization (see below).

Persons engaged in the production or distribution of film only qualify for an “I” visa if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information or news, and the primary source of funding and point of distribution will be outside the US. All published material must be documentary in nature and intended for a foreign audience.

Individuals or companies commissioned to work on film projects of commercial or entertainment value require the appropriate work visa (O, P or H), which involves obtaining employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for a visa.

Application & Visa Interview
All applicants for “I” visas must submit their application and supporting documents IN PERSON in Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich (see below for details). The DS-160 visa application form requires applicants to select a Purpose of Trip from a drop-down menu. I-visa applicants should first select “Other” in the main “Purpose of Trip” drop-down menu and then select “Representative of Foreign Media (I)” from the secondary drop-down menu.

In the Temporary Work Visa Information screen, “I” applicants will be asked to provide the name and address of their U.S. employer. If your media organization does not have a U.S. office, please enter the name of your institution or non-U.S. contracting company and “NA” in the address lines.

All applicants must schedule an appointment to appear for biometric collection and a personal interview. Instructions are available at http://germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/step4/.

Please note that electronic devices (cell phones, PDAs, laptops, USB sticks, etc.), may not be brought into the consulate or embassy. Backpacks, suitcases and attaché cases are also not permitted. Security personnel cannot store items for visa applicants.

Applicants are advised that they will have the best chance of qualifying for a visa if they apply in the country where they normally reside. Applicants who reside in Germany have to apply at the Consular Section in Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich.

Required Documentation
Besides the standard documentation required that is found in Steps 1-8 of the NIV application process, the following I-Visa specific documentation is required:

• A credential issued by a professional journalistic association (your press ID).
• A letter from your media organization confirming the purpose of your trip to the United States.

Freelance Journalists Must Submit:

• A credential issued by a professional journalistic association (your press ID).
• A valid contract of employment from the sponsoring media organization. At a minimum, the contract should clearly identify the parties to the contract and include the term (dates or duration) and a description of duties to be performed or work product resulting from a temporary stay in the U.S.

Last modified on Fri, 19 Mar 2010