As quoted or based on information provided by the US Department of State and/or the USCIS. Updated 2007-05-23

Eligibility for I Visas

Representatives of the foreign media traveling to the U.S. on assignment may be eligible for classification under the I-visa category. This may include members of the press, radio, film or television whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, editors and persons in similar occupations. Please note that only those who are actually involved in the news gathering process are eligible (proof readers, librarians, or set designers are not eligible).

Freelance journalists and members of independent production companies will also be considered for an I-visa if they are under contract to a media organization.

Persons engaged in the production or distribution of film only qualify for an I-visa if the material being filmed will be used to disseminate information or news, and the primary source of funding and point of distribution will be outside the US. All published material must be documentary in nature.

Individuals or companies commissioned to work on film projects of commercial or entertainment value require the appropriate work visa (O, P or H), which involves obtaining employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for a visa.

I-visas are also appropriate for foreign journalists working for an overseas branch, office, or subsidiary of a US network, newspaper, or other media outlet if the journalist is going to the US to report on US events solely for a foreign audience. If the journalist will replace or augment American journalists reporting on US events for an American audience, a work visa will be required.

Application for an I Visa & Interview

All applicants for I-Visa must submit their application and supporting documents IN PERSON in Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich (see below for details).

All applicants must call the Visa Information Service at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where he or she intends to apply in order to schedule an appointment to appear for administrative processing, biometric collection and a personal interview.

Please note that electronic devices (cell phones, PDAs, Laptops, etc.) may generally not be brought into any consulate or embassy. Backpacks, suitcases and attaché cases may also not be permitted. Security personnel may not have the ability to store items for visa applicants.

Applicants are advised that they will have the best chance of qualifying for a visa if they apply in the country where they normally reside.

Required Documentation for I Visas

Each applicant for a visitor visa must submit:

• A passport valid for at least the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States (for German citizens).
• a DS-156 Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) for each applicant, regardless of age, completed online at http://evisaforms.state.gov, and signed by the applicant.
• Male applicants between the ages of 16-45 must fully complete supplemental form DS-157.
• One recent photograph for each applicant (5cm x 5cm, white background).
• Visa payment confirmation: evidence of having paid the non-refundable visa processing fee for each application.
• A self-addressed, stamped (EURO stamps only!) envelope large enough for your passport and all submitted documents (regular mail, please).
• A letter from your media organization confirming the purpose of your trip to the United States.