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I Visa Attorney Specialist for Media and Journalists
I Visa Attorney Specialist for Media and Journalists
Do I Qualify For the I-Visa?
MEDIA I-VISA REQUIREMENTS
You may be eligible for the nonimmigrant I-visa, if you:
- Represent a foreign information media outlet (press, radio, film, digital or other foreign information media);
- Are coming to the United States to engage solely in this profession; and
- Have a home office in a foreign country.
Occupations under this category include journalists, film crews, researchers, podcasters, reporters, editors, bloggers, and similar professionals.
ELIGIBILITY
You must demonstrate that you are a bona fide representative of foreign media whose activities are essential to the functions of your organization. The consular officer at the U.S. embassy will determine whether an activity is qualifying in order to obtain a nonimmigrant I-visa.
Most media-related jobs qualify for the Journalist Media I-visa; however, to make it more specific, the U.S. has defined who can get this visa, such as:
- A person who works in an independent production company with foreign journalistic credentials. This person must be filming events related to current news or a newsworthy documentary.
- Journalists with a contract from a foreign media or journalistic company. These journalists must be collecting news intended to inform and not for commercial purposes.
- Journalists coming to the U.S. to collect news information about an event happening in the U.S. The news must be targeted to a foreign audience.
- A representative of a bureau of tourism who has valid accreditation. The representative’s company must be partially funded by a foreign government, and the purpose of the visit must be to collect touristic information about the U.S.
- A person who works in a company which distributes technical industrial information. This person can then work in the U.S. offices of that company. Journalistic freelancers who have a valid work contract from a foreign media company. The freelancer must be engaged in any of the above-mentioned work, provided that they work to collect and disseminate information.
SPOUSES AND CHILDREN
Any spouse and children under the age of 21 may accompany or follow to join an I-visa holder. Your spouse and children are not eligible to work with an I- visa but can study in the United States. Speak with our legal counsel to learn more about family accompanying the journalist media i-visa applicant.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process involves consideration of both the applicant as well as the content that will be the subject of the US-based assignment.
Among the I-visa requirements, one of the more common pitfalls for media professionals without proper legal representation in the I-visa application is proving that the content to be produced satisfies the qualifying criteria. The media content that is to be produced as a result of the time spent in the U.S. must be used to disseminate information or news; or the application will be refused. However, the regulations do not define the content parameters in detail and the guidance issued by the U.S. Government is subject to interpretation by the adjudicating officer. It is imperative that you have legal representation to help solidify your application for the I-visa.
CONTENT CRITERIA
Content that falls within any of the following may be considered permissible under the I-visa route:
- Newsworthy
- Informative
- Educational
Content deemed to be entertainment, promotional or advertising value alone would not satisfy the I-visa requirements.
Reality TV and scripted or staged productions will generally not be eligible for the I-visa.
Reach out to our I visa attorney specialist for media and journalists today to discuss your project.
Once approved, I-visas can be granted for up to five years depending on the U.S. reciprocity with the applicant’s home country.
As a representative of foreign media, you cannot travel to the U.S. and engage in your profession without an I-visa, even if you are a citizen of a country that participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you attempt to travel to the U.S. without the appropriate visa, you may be denied admission by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the port of entry (airport, seaport, or land border). There are limited instances under which you, as a foreign media representative, may be eligible to travel with a visitor’s visa. See the U.S. Department of State’s website for more information.
Your Next Assignment
If you think you may qualify for the I-visa. discuss with the Insalaco Law how we can help you come to the United States.
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INSALACO LAW
321 North Pass Avenue #235 Burbank, California 91505, United States
About Insalaco Law
JASON INSALACO, ESQ.
Jason is an I-visa attorney and founder of Insalaco Law, a full-service law firm based in Los Angeles, California. Insalaco Law is one of the few firms worldwide that focus exclusively on the I-visa. Jason has had the pleasuring of working with CBS, Viacom, iHeartMedia, National Public Radio, and numerous medium and independent media organizations.
Jason understands the needs of journalists and media professionals and honors a reporter’s mission to tell stories that need to be told. Insalaco Law delivers professional and knowledgeable representation for the I-visa. Let us help you report the next big story.
CALIFORNIA BAR LICENSE #231386
Licensed in California only. Practice in all other states limited to immigration. No attorney/client relationship is created unless and until potential client signs a retainer agreement with Insalaco Law.
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