Details:
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country wishing to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Media (I) visas are for representatives of the foreign press, including members of the press, radio, film and print media, traveling temporarily to the United States to work in their profession performing informational activities essential to the operation of the foreign press. Activities in the United States under the Media (I) Visa must be for an organization that is headquartered abroad. The activities must be purely informational.
Examples of reasons for travel that require a Media Visa (I):
- An employee of a foreign media company or an 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 working to distribute news or information that is not primarily for commercial use.
- A foreign journalist working for a foreign company or a subsidiary of a U.S. television, newspaper or other media outlet. Traveling to the United States to cover events on U.S. soil for a foreign audience.
- An accredited representative of a tourist bureau, controlled or operated by a foreign government, traveling to the United States to disseminate tourist information about that country.
How long does it take?
The whole process until you have a decision on your Visa should take about 4-5 weeks (may vary by country).
How long can you stay?
The Media Visa allows you to stay in the United States for the duration of your purpose of travel.
