A foreign national who is a bona fide representative of foreign press, radio, film, or television or other foreign information media who seeks to enter the U.S. only to engage in such a capacity is eligible for I classification.
Reciprocity between the U.S. and the country in which the foreign media organization has its home office must exist in order to obtain I classification.
An I visa holder may be employed by a U.S. branch office or U.S. subsidiary of the foreign country provided that his or her activities are being conducted principally for the benefit of the foreign-based media. The home office must be in a foreign country, otherwise the media representative must obtain an H-1B or L visa.
Validity Period: Duration of Employment
Spouses and Dependents: Spouses and unmarried dependents under 21 years of age who will accompany the I visa holder may attend school but are not permitted to work unless they otherwise indpendently quality.
U.S. Department of State: Foreign Media, Press, Radio
Do I Qualify for an I Media Visa?
- Who will be your employer?
- Will your employer be a foreign company? If so, what country?
- Will your employer be a U.S. affliiate or branch of that foreign company?
- How long will you be employed for?
- What will be your job duties
- Will your spouse/dependents accompany you?
- Will your spouse/dependents seek employment?
- Have you ever been denied a visa to the U.S. or denied entry to the U.S.?
It is very important to determine whether you actually qualify for an I Media visa, otherwise, you may fall into the L or H-1B category. If you qualify for an H-1B, it is crucial that you apply as close to April 1, 2010 as possible, as those visa numbers are limited.