Journalists and News Media (I)

Description

I visas allow travel for newsgathering, journalism or other news media, but not solely commercial, purposes. Most eligible Indonesian applicants receive visas valid for multiple entries. Journalists may hold a visitor (B) visa, however if their intention is to gather news or otherwise engage in the profession of journalism in the U.S., they must enter the U.S. with an I visa in hand. Journalistic enterprises, to include newspaper and television firms, may join the Business Visa Program to more efficiently seek I or B visas for their professional staff, spouses and minor children.

The burden of proof to qualify for any visa rests solely with the visa applicant. Please apply well in advance of your intended travel to the U.S. No one can act as a guarantor or provide any assurance of visa eligibility. Visa interviews with a consul last 2-3 minutes at most. It is vital for all visa applicants to come fully prepared and able to answer our questions. Visa applicants must assume that we are totally unaware of their situation. If there is any doubt concerning a visa applicant, if a visa applicant cannot answer our questions with clarity, we must find the visa applicant ineligible.

Qualifications

I visa applicants must demonstrate to us that they qualify for a U.S. visa according to the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). There is no all inclusive list of qualifications, but successful applicants may be found eligible if we determine that:

• Their trip is consistent with U.S. law;
• They have evidence of funds to cover all U.S. expenses;
• They will engage in journalism; and
• They are not subject to exclusion.

Dependents

Only spouses and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 can qualify for I visas to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the U.S. for the duration of his/her permanent assignment. Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the U.S. with the principal I visa holder, but make short visits only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B) visas. Spouses and dependents cannot work in the U.S.