I-1 visas allow foreign press, radio, film, or other media to enter the U.S.
The I-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for members of the foreign press, film, radio, or other media. It allows qualifying journalists and media professionals to enter the United States to report on news events or produce content related to current affairs.
Our immigration lawyers help foreign media professionals, production companies, and international news agencies apply for the I-1 visa. We’ll guide you through the process, help organize your documents, and work to make sure your application meets U.S. immigration requirements.
The I-1 visa is available to foreign nationals who work for a qualified media organization and are coming to the U.S. to engage in journalistic or informational activities. This includes reporting on newsworthy events, conducting interviews, filming documentaries, and gathering facts for news broadcasts or publications.
The visa does not cover content that is primarily entertainment or commercial in nature. For example, actors, reality TV producers, or marketing staff are not eligible. The purpose of the visit must clearly relate to press or news-gathering work on behalf of a foreign media outlet.
The I-1 visa is designed to support freedom of the press and ensure that foreign journalists can report on important U.S. events for international audiences. It allows you to work in the U.S. for your foreign media employer, travel freely, and renew your status as needed.
Additional benefits include:
The I-1 visa provides a flexible option for journalists who need to report from the U.S. on a short- or long-term basis.
To qualify for an I-1 visa, both the individual and their employer must meet certain criteria.
Eligible individuals include:
You must also:
The work must be informational or educational, not entertainment-focused. Documentaries, investigative reports, and live coverage of U.S. events are typically acceptable, while fictional film productions or advertisements are not.
Most applicants apply for the I-1 visa through a U.S. consulate abroad. The first step is to complete Form DS-160 and pay the visa fee. You’ll then schedule a consular interview and prepare the required documents.
These typically include:
If you are already in the United States on another type of visa, you may be able to apply for a change of status by filing Form I-539. An immigration attorney can help you decide the best strategy based on your situation.
The I-1 visa is typically issued for the length of the journalistic assignment, up to one year. If your work continues, you may apply to extend your stay in one-year increments. There is no formal limit on how long you can remain in the U.S. on an I-1 visa, as long as you continue working in the same professional role for the same media organization.
Visa holders can travel in and out of the U.S. freely during the validity of the visa. However, your status must be renewed regularly if you plan to remain in the country long-term.
Applying for an I-1 visa can be challenging, especially for freelance journalists or those working on sensitive assignments. USCIS and U.S. consular officers expect petitions to be clear, well-documented, and credible. A strong application can mean the difference between quick approval and unnecessary delays.
Our immigration lawyers help with:
We have experience helping journalists, documentarians, and international media organizations secure the right visas to continue their work in the U.S.
News coverage, documentaries, and educational programming are typically allowed. Entertainment, advertising, or commercial filming does not qualify.
The visa is usually granted for the length of your assignment, up to one year. You can renew it in one-year increments as long as your work continues.
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can come to the U.S. on a derivative I visa, but they cannot work while in the U.S.
The I-1 is a nonimmigrant visa with no direct path to a green card. If you wish to stay permanently, you may need to change to another visa category.
Only if the new job is with another qualifying foreign media organization and the visa terms remain the same. You may need to reapply if your role or employer changes.
If you’re a journalist, filmmaker, or member of the foreign press seeking to work in the United States, our St. Louis immigration lawyers are here to help. We can assist with new I-1 visa applications, renewals, and consular processing.
To discuss if this is the right visa for you and if you can qualify under this category, please feel free to contact us or call us at 314-648-2929 to speak with an immigration lawyer in the U.S.