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| If you are a member of a foreign media organisation and will be performing an assignment in the US you should not enter the US using the Visa Waiver Program or a B-1/B-2 (business/tourist) visa. You should apply for the appropriate I visa before travelling. You will only be eligible for an I visa if you are involved in the production or distribution of film which will be used to disseminate information or news.
How we can help: We can advise you whether the I visa is appropriate for your assignment in the US. All first time applicants for an I visa are required to apply in person at the relevant American Embassy or Consulate. We can assist with arranging the visa application appointment for all applicants in the UK (and certain other countries), preparation of application documentation (including the requisite employer support documents), obtaining photographs which meet the Embassy / Consulate requirements and the payment of the correct fee. Many applicants are turned away on the day simply because they have not supplied correct documentation not a pleasant experience for those who have already waited hours in line and need to travel urgently! Having an application refused can also make it more difficult to obtain a visa in the future, so it is important to ensure your application is correctly prepared and submitted to give it the best chance of succeeding first time. |
There has been a certain amount of inappropriate use of the I visa category. In the post September 11th environment, applicants are now required to appear in person and the US Embassy in London applies strict criteria in assessing applicant eligibility. Some cases are clear cut but many are examined closely on a subjective, case by case, basis. As can be seen on the website of the US Embassy in London, they focus on two main criteria, is the activity essentially informational, and is it generally associated with the news gathering process. As a general rule, stories that report on events, including sports events, are essentially informational and are usually appropriate I classification visa activities. Stories that involve contrived and staged events, even when unscripted, such as reality television shows, and quiz shows are not primarily informational and do not generally involve journalism. Similarly documentaries involving staged recreations with actors are also not considered informational. Members of the team working on such productions will not qualify for I classification visas. They will require the appropriate employment-based (O, P or H) visas. For further information, click here.
Please note that foreign journalists working for an overseas branch of a US media organisation may still qualify for an I visa as long as they will travel to the US to cover or film an event for a foreign audience. They must also remain on the overseas payroll at all times.
This page last updated February 2007
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