Last updated 2025-07-04
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Intended for spouses of journalists and media personnel coming to the U.S. to report news or cover events, ensuring they can perform their duties freely.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 21 days to 5 years
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The decision on the visa validity period is made at the consulate based on individual and professional circumstances and the applicant's citizenship, and does not depend directly on him. The validity period of this visa category can vary from several months to 5 years.
from 21 days to 5 years
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The final decision on the length of stay of the applicant is made by immigration officials based on individual circumstances and documentation prepared by the employer and the applicant, and does not depend directly on the applicant. As a rule, this visa category allows the applicant to stay in the United States for up to 5 years.
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
An application for extension of stay is not required as long as the media representative continues to work for the same employer in the same media environment. If the Form I-94 indicates a specific end date for the authorized period of stay and the applicant wishes to remain beyond the stated end date, Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, must be filed in accordance with the filing instructions and any required evidence and applicable fees must be submitted.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
An I visa may be issued for a single or multiple entries to the United States, depending on the personal and/or professional circumstances of the applicant.
from 14 days to 1 month
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing time depends on the country of application, the purpose of the visit and the nationality of the applicant. The standard processing time, if there are no problems with the content of the application, is about 10 days. However, this period may be extended in individual cases, especially when additional documents are required from the applicant.
$185
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Non-immigrant visa application processing fees vary depending on the visa category the applicant is applying for. The visa application processing fee is the official fee charged by the embassy or consulate for processing the visa application and does not include any additional fees that may be required depending on the location and method of submission, such as visa application center fees, fees for processing permits and other documents, postal and courier delivery of documents, etc. Citizens of some countries, in addition to the standard visa fee, must pay an additional application fee (according to the reciprocity rule) after their visa application has been approved.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements) and with at least two blank pages.
Visa application form
Online application form DS-160 that must be filled out completely and accurately.
Photograph
Taken in the last six months, passport-size, colored, clean, and meeting other standards according to U.S. government photo guidelines.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Copy of principal applicant’s I visa documents
Copies of the primary I visa holder's visa, passport, and employment letter.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Travel itinerary
Information about the planned travel, including flight details and the address where the applicant will be staying in the United States (if applicable).
Travel history
Details about the previous travel to the United States, including dates and purposes of visits, if applicable.
National passport or ID card
Confirming the current location. Residence permit, visa or other supporting document confirming the resident status if the country of residence is different from that listed in the passport of the applicant.
Personal ID number
In the country of the residence. If applicable.
Application fee payment receipt
If the applicant is required to pay before the interview.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties with the home country and valid reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
I
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
R
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Foreign media representative
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
from 21 days to 5 years
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
$185
