Visa requirements

United States of America

General visa requirements for travelling to United States of America. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Journalist visa (I Media and Journalist Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
Varies by embassy
Fee
$435 USD
Validity
Duration of assignment
Entry
Multiple entry

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must be bona fide representative of foreign press, radio, film, or other foreign information media. Must be traveling to represent organization engaged in regular gathering, production, or dissemination of journalistic information. Organization must have home office in foreign country.

    Required status: Media representative with foreign media organization

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 2x2 inches, color, white background.

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: DS-160; Form url: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

  • Press credentials

    Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

    Accreditation type: Professional journalistic association credential (for independent production company) or employment contract with foreign media organization

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain employment contract with foreign media organization or credential from professional journalistic association. Prepare evidence of media activities.

  2. Online application

    Complete DS-160.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay visa fee $185 and schedule interview. $250 Visa Integrity Fee at issuance.

  4. Interview

    Attend interview with contract, press credentials, portfolio of work.

  5. Visa collection

    Collect passport with visa if approved.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.