I Visa is a special nonimmigrant visa issued to foreign media professionals who wish to carry out media activities in the United States. The I Visa covers many media professionals, from journalists to film crews. Marsan Akguc Law Firm provides professional support for your I Visa applications and ensures that the process goes smoothly.
What is an I Visa?
The I Visa is intended for employees of foreign media organizations who wish to conduct newsgathering and informational activities in the United States. The I Visa allows only informational and media-related activities and cannot be used for other types of work.
Key Features of the I Visa
- Media Activities: Includes media activities used for information and news gathering purposes.
- Temporary Residence: The validity of the visa depends on the duration of the media activities.
- Work Rights: I Visa holders may only work in specified media activities.
- Family Reunification: The visa holder can take his/her spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age. However, family members cannot obtain a work permit.
- For Media Workers Only: Suitable for media professionals such as filmmakers, journalists, editors and reporters.
Who Can Apply for an I Visa?
The I Visa is intended for professionals who meet certain criteria to travel to the United States for media activities:
Being a Media Representative
The applicant must be a professional actively working in the press, radio, film or print industry.
Connection with Media Organization
The applicant must be affiliated with a media organization headquartered in a foreign country. The media outlet must support the applicant for activities in the US.
Newsgathering and Information Activities
The media activity must be essentially informational and linked to the news gathering process. For example, reporting in the US for a newspaper based abroad would fall into this category.
The US Reciprocity Principle
In approving the application, the rights granted by the applicant’s country to media representatives from the United States are also taken into account.
I Visa Application Process
Marsan Akguc Law Firm provides guidance at every stage of your application process. Here are the details of the application process:
Assessment of Eligibility
The applicant and the media organization are assessed for compliance with the I Visa criteria.
Preparation of Employer Sponsorship Documents
The media outlet should submit a formal job offer to the applicant and prepare supporting documents.
Collection of Required Documents
The documents that must be submitted at the time of application are as follows:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
- Job Offer Letter: Official job offer from the media organization.
- Media Organization Documents: Business activity reports and company records of the employer.
- Media Activity Plan: Detailed description of the activities to be carried out in the US.
- Biographical Information: Curriculum vitae and professional experience.
Completing the DS-160 Form
The US Department of State’s online application form is completed and approved.
Making an Appointment for Visa Interview
An interview appointment is made at the US Consulate or Embassy.
6. Interview and Evaluation
The applicant participates in an interview and explains the nature of his/her media activities. The following documents are presented during the interview:
- Job offer and media organization documents.
- Passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
- Media activity plan and documents showing your professional background.
Visa Approval and Entry into the US
If the application is approved, the I Visa is processed in the passport and delivered to the applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marsan Akguc Law Firm provides professional support for your I Visa applications and stands by you at every step of the process. Contact us to realize your media activities in the USA!
No, the I Visa can only be used for media activities. It is forbidden to work in any other job.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come with you to the US. However, they cannot get a work permit.
The duration of the visa is determined by the duration of the media activities and can be renewed as needed.
Yes, the applicant must be affiliated with a media outlet headquartered in a foreign country.
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