The I visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows representatives of the foreign media, including members of the press, radio, film, and print industries to work in the US in informational or educational media activities, which are critical to the operation of foreign media. While in the United States on the I visa, all activities must be for a media organization with its offices in another country.

Under certain conditions, some employees of independent production companies may also be eligible for a foreign information media representative visa. 

I visa is needed for the following purposes:

• An employee of a foreign information media organization or an employee of an independent production company who has a certification granted by the professional journalistic association of another nation and who is involved in filming a news event or documentary

• A member of the foreign media involved in film production or distribution, if the content being produced will be used to communicate information, news, or educational purposes. An organization's major source of financing and distribution must be outside of the United States

• A journalist under contract who has a certification granted by another country's professional journalistic organization, if the journalist is working on a product that is not primarily intended for commercial entertainment or advertising.

• A foreign journalist entering the United States mainly to report on US events for a foreign audience, if the journalist works for a foreign news organization with its offices in another country.

Note: The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of a foreign information media representative may accompany him or her and be admitted under the "I" nonimmigrant visa classification. Such dependents may attend school in the United States if authorized. However, dependents are not permitted to work in the United States while in the dependent status of a foreign information media representative.
 

Requirements

In order to be eligible for the I visa, the foreign representatives must:

• represent a foreign information media outlet (press, radio, film, or other foreign information media) 

• come to the United States solely to work in this field

• have a home office in a foreign country. The organization must be based outside of the United States, and media personnel cannot work for a U.S. company on an I visa

Independent Production Companies

Employees of independent production businesses may also qualify for nonimmigrant status as foreign information media representatives if they meet the following criteria:

• The employee has a professional journalistic accreditation granted by a professional journalistic association.

• Information or news will be disseminated to a foreign audience via the use of film or video footage produced by a foreign television station or other news organization

• A primary purpose for the film or video material will not be for commercial entertainment or advertising, nor will it be used to promote a product.

Period of stay

I nonimmigrants are normally permitted to remain in the United States until their assignment is completed, and no application for an extension of stay is necessary as long as their employer continues employing the media representative.

Extension of stay or change of status 

In order to change status, the applicant files an Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status together with proof of current status and information from the hiring media organization explaining the job and showing that the applicant is a genuine representative of that foreign media organization.

When evaluating a foreign information media representative's application, the officer must confirm that the applicant:

• Meets or continues to meet all of the eligibility requirements for the visa classification of foreign information media representative

• Is it allowed to enter the United States; and

• Has not broken any of the laws that define his or her existing nonimmigrant status.