Visa Lawyer Blog
Here are some tips from the Vermont Service Center. VSC will accept I-539 applications to change status to I status for representatives of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media. The I visa is generally issued at a U.S. consulate with a contract or job letter from a foreign media organization and the applicant’s appropriate credentials.
To adjudicate an application to change status to I, VSC requires the following:
* An explanation for why the applicant did not apply for an I information media visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad;
* College transcripts evidencing journalism classes, establishing that the applicant is qualified for the I visa (NOTE: the Foreign Affairs Manual only requires proof of credential issued by a professional journalistic association, if available in home country);
* Letter from employer including employer’s name, applicant’s job title, duties, and annual salary (note below for specifics);
* Outline of the applicant’s employment history for the last four years, including:
o The title of all positions held during the time frame
o The duration of employment for each position
VSC provided the following profession-specific instructions:
Staff Journalist – a letter from the employer should be submitted that states the following:
* The employee’s name
* The position the applicant holds within the company
* The purpose and length of stay in the United States
Freelance Journalist Under Contract to a Media Organization – a copy of the contract between the applicant and the organization should be submitted which shows:
* The employee’s name
* The position the applicant holds within the company
* The purpose and length of stay in the United States, and
* The duration of the contract
Media Film Crew – a letter from the employer should be submitted which gives the following information:
* The employee’s name
* The position the applicant holds within the company
* The title and a brief description of the program being filmed, and
* The period of time required for filming in the United States
Independent Production Company Under Contract to Media Organization – a letter from the organization commissioning the work should be submitted which gives the following information:
* The employee’s name
* The title and a brief description of the program being filmed, and
* The duration of the contract