Non-Immigrant Visas

Media Representative Visas

The Information Media Representative visa (often referred to as the “Journalist visa”) is for representatives of foreign press, radio, film or other foreign information media, including both reporters and people in media support roles such as film crew, sound or video editors, and people in similar occupations. Representatives of official tourist bureaus who provide factual tourist information about that country are also entitled to “I” classification.

Do I Need A Visa?

If you are going to the United States as part of your job – e.g. to cover a story – then yes, you do need an “I” visa. Do not attempt to enter the United States on a B1/B2 visa or under the Visa Waiver Program unless your only goal is to write a story about being refused entry – and since this has been done already, the novelty has probably worn off. If you are in the United States under the VWP you cannot change to “I” status unless you leave the country and have your application processed at a U.S. Consulate overseas.

What are the Requirements for Getting an “I” Visa?

At a visa interview, applicants for “I” visas must establish that they are visiting the United States for a temporary period for the bona fide purpose of engaging in information media activities as a representative of their company.

Required Documents

In addition to the Standard Non-Immigrant Visa Documents, please:

• provide a comprehensive letter from the journalist's employer on the employer’s letterhead identifying the journalist and describing in detail the nature and function of the his or her position, and the reasons for requiring a visa to go to the United States; and
• bring any press credentials you have along with you to the interview.

My Family Member Plans to Accompany or Join Me While I Am Working in the United States.  Is He or She Eligible and What Visa Does He or She Need?

Only the spouse and minor children (under age 21) of Information Media Representative visa holders are eligible for derivative (also “I”) visas. Parents and other family members are NOT eligible for “I” visas. They may visit a worker for a temporary period of time if they apply for and receive a tourist visa or if they are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

Spouses and children, whether accompanying or following to join the principal applicant, should submit the Standard Non-Immigrant Visa Documents for each person. To qualify for a derivative visa, applicants must:

• apply together with the principal applicant; or
• be able to demonstrate that the principal applicant already has his or her visa or is in proper status in the United States

and must:

• establish that they have the necessary relationship to the principal applicant. Spouses and children should present a copy of their marriage certificate or birth certificate, respectively.

PLEASE NOTE: Spouses and children of “I” visa applicants who are not Singaporean are strongly encouraged to apply for their visas at the same time as the principal applicant regardless of whether they have firm plans to travel to the United States. If the “I”” visa holder is not present for the application of his or her non-Singaporean spouse and children, the applicants may be asked to apply in their home country, where their marriage and birth documents can be properly verified.