• I visa are for individuals who represent a foreign media outlet.
• Individuals with I visas will be allowed to stay in the U.S. for the duration of status for their employer, or for as long as the Form I-94 indicates.
• The individual’s spouse and children under 21 may accompany the I visa holder while staying in the U.S.

I: Representatives of foreign media

Individuals may be eligible for the representatives of foreign media nonimmigrant visa (I) if they:

• Represent a foreign information media outlet (press, radio, film, or other foreign information media);
• Are coming to the U.S. to engage solely in this profession; and
• Have a home office in a foreign country.

Occupations under this category include reporters, film crews, editors, and similar occupations.

Individuals may apply for an I visa at an American Embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence.

Length of stay

At the port of entry, a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine whether an individual can be admitted to the U.S. The officer will review and stamp the individual’s Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, which will contain the authorized period of stay.

Admission as an I nonimmigrant is generally authorized for the duration of status (D/S on Form I-94), and no application for extension of stay is required to be filed as long as the media representative continues working for the same employer in the same information medium.

If Form I-94 indicates a specific end date for the authorized period of stay, and the I-visa holder wishes to stay beyond that specified end date, a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, must be filed in accordance with the form filing instructions. Any required evidence and applicable fees must also be submitted.

Family of I visa holders

Any spouse and children under the age of 21 may accompany or follow to join an I-nonimmigrant.