The I visa for journalists and other representatives of foreign information media may be obtained directly at an Embassy or Consulate. I visa applicants must present a valid passport, a currently valid press card from an accredited media organization, and a signed employment contract.

Foreign media representatives must be engaged in the production or collection of news or documentary programming to be distributed primarily outside the U.S. Writing, editing, photographing, presenting or producing news and documentary programming is covered. Entertainment, infotainment, historical re-enactment and educational programming are not covered under the I visa.

While to date I foreign media representatives have been admitted to the United States for duration of their employment agreement with the foreign media organization, not to exceed five years, renewable with a new contract, they are severely impacted by a Final Rule ending D/s admissions, published July 17, 2026 and effective on September 15, 2026. Foreign media representatives admitted on or after the effective date will be admitted for a fixed period, not to exceed 240 days (except passport holders from mainland China, who will be admitted for a fixed period of 90 days), and if the purpose of their assignment in the U.S. cannot be completed within that period, they will need to file an I-539 application for extension of status with USCIS. Those already present in the United States before the effective date are covered by transition rules, under which most I foreign media representatives may stay another 300 days, until March 13, 2027, but PRC passport holders are only given 150 days, and must depart by December 14, 2026.

If you would like more information about I foreign media visas, please contact Karin Wolman for a consultation!