Embassy of the United States Copenhagen, Denmark

Media & Journalists (I)

Representatives of the foreign media traveling to the United States on assignment or engaged in filming a news event or documentary require a nonimmigrant visa under the I visa category.

Representatives of the foreign media include, but are not limited to, members of the press, radio, or film whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, video tape editors and persons in similar occupations.

Freelance journalists and members of independent production companies traveling to the U.S. on assignment must be under contract to a media organization and hold a credential issued by a professional journalistic association.

Freelance journalists and members of independent production companies must submit a letter from the organization commissioning the work which gives the following information: name; title and description of the program being filmed; period of time required for filming in the U.S. and duration of contract. The applicant must also submit a press card/credentials.

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

In addition to the items listed on the visa application check list, visitors who are representatives of the foreign media must bring the following to their visa interview:

I visa applicant:

Employment letter

Employment contract (freelance media representative)

I visa applicant (spouse and/or children)

Marriage Certificate (spouse)

Birth Certificate (children)

For information on how to apply for a visa, please see the "How to Apply" section.