I Visas

The "I" Media Visa is a non-immigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States as representatives of foreign press, radio, film or other foreign information media. This includes visitors whose activities are essential to the foreign information media function; for example, media reporters, media film crews, video tape editors, and persons in similar occupations.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A "I" VISA:

Applicants for media visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The presumption in the law is that every visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for media visas must overcome this presumption by demonstration that:

• The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for media-related business;
• They plan to remain for a specific period;
• They have a residence outside of the U.S. as well as other binding obligations which will insure their return abroad at the conclusion of the visit.

TO PROCESS YOUR MEDIA VISA (I) YOU MUST PRESENT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

• BNL receipt of payment of the non-refundable Machine Readable Visa application fee.
• The completed visa application form DS-156 and DS-157 (when applicable).
• A passport valid for travel to the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each individual desiring a visa must make a separate application;
• One passport size photo for each visa applicant, including infants (see the "Photo Requirements" webpage).
• A comprehensive letter from the journalist’s employer on the employer’s letterhead identifying the journalist and describing in detail the nature and function of the journalist’s position and/or official press credentials.