Overview: I visa is non-immigrant visa is for representatives of the foreign media temporarily traveling to U.S., to engage in their profession while having their home office in a foreign country.

To qualify for I visa, the foreign workers must represent a foreign information media outlet (press, radio, film, or other foreign information media) , must engage solely in the profession, and must have a home office in a foreign country.

Family: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of an I visa holder may receive derivative I visas. The spouse and dependent children are not authorized to work in United States, but can study without applying for F visa.

Periold of Stay: The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer will review and stamp Form I-94(Arrival/Departure Record) which will contain authorized period of stay. Extension could be required by filing Form I-539.

Green Card intent: Not permitted. Could file Form I-539(Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) to change employment or to other nonimmigrant visa.

In fiscal year 2010, USCIS received 13,450 applications for I visa, approved 15,344, denied 1,894, waived or overcome 1,316.

If the foreign media journalist should apply for visitor visa, if she or he come to United States to

• Attend Conference or Meeting
• Travel for the purpose of Guest speaking, lecturing, engaging in academic activity.
• Purchase media equipment
• Take Vacation

If the foreign media journalist should apply for worker visa such as the H, O, or P visa, if she or he come to United States for following activities:

• Work on material for commercial entertainment or advertising purposes
• Associated activities such as proofreaders, librarians, set designers
• Stories that are staged events, television and quiz shows
• Production of artistic media content