Details:
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a non-immigrant visa for a temporary stay, or a migrant visa for permanent residence. Media (I) visas are for representatives of the foreign press, including members of the press, radio, film and written press, temporarily traveling to the United States to work in their profession carrying out informational activities, essential for the functioning of the foreign press. Activities in the United States under the Media Visa (I) must be for an organization whose parent company is abroad. The activities must be purely informative.
Examples of travel reasons that require Media Visa (I):
- An employee of a foreign media company or employee of an independent production company with a credential issued by a press association.
- A member of the press involved in the production or distribution of a film, if the material being filmed will be used to distribute information, news or is educational. The primary source of investment must be from outside the United States.
- A journalist working under contract with a credential issued by a professional press organization, if he works to distribute news or information that is not primarily for commercial use.
- A foreign journalist working for a foreign company or for a subsidiary of a United States network, whether television, newspaper or other news outlet. That you are traveling to the United States to cover events on American soil for a foreign audience.
- An accredited representative of a tourism board, controlled or operated by a foreign government, who travels to the United States to disseminate tourist information about that country.
How long does it take?
The entire process until you have a decision about your Visa should take around 4-5 weeks. (It may vary by country.)
How long can you stay?
The Media Visa allows you to stay within U.S. territory for as long as your purpose of travel lasts.
