Eligibility criteria for the I Visa are -
- The applicant represents a foreign information media outlet (press, radio, film, or other foreign information media), or works on a freelance basis based in a foreign country.
- The employing organisation has a home office in a foreign country.
- The output will be informational in content ie. the purpose of the media activities to be undertaken in the USA must be strictly to distribute information, news, or educational information. Media activities for commercial or entertainment purposes instead require an O/P/H Visa.
- Those who work for a foreign branch of a US media organisation can apply for an I Visa only if they are coming to the US solely to report on US news events for a foreign audience, and will continue to be paid by the foreign-based office. Otherwise they should apply for an O/H Visa instead.
Certain members of the media team (such as proof-readers, designers, etc) may not be eligible for an I Visa as the nature of their work does not meet the above criteria, and should apply for a temporary employment O/P/H Visa instead.
It is possible for I Visa applicants to bring dependants (spouse and/or children under 21 years old) with them. These dependants should apply for I Visas as well.


Huge weight off my mind after quick chat with Was from 
Gustav -