Press and Media

Press and broadcast media require different types of nonimmigrant visas depending on the purpose of travel.

I Visas (Media Representative) Employees of magazines, newspapers, television & radio networks, and other media organizations who will go to the U.S. in order to report on actual current events as they occur and develop can be issued I visas. No petition is required.

B Visas Media representatives going to the U.S. to attend meetings as ordinary participants or to purchase/sell media equipment/broadcast rights are considered ordinary business visitors and can travel using B visitor visas.

H, P, O, L, Q Visas Media representatives who will travel to the U.S. in order to participate in the production of artistic media content (in which actors are used) require a petition approved in advance by INS before applying for visas. Depending on circumstances, H or P classification is most common for this type of activity, but O, L, and Q petitions may be appropriate in some circumstances. Television, radio, and film production companies may wish to seek expert counsel from an immigration attorney who specializes in media work for specific advice tailored to the project at hand.

All press/media applicants should prepare to present the following documentation and other relevant information at their interview:

1. Valid Passport: If your passport will expire less than 6 months from your planned arrival in the United States, or is damaged, or you do not have a page for a visa, please get a new passport before your interview.
   
   
2. One Photograph: Two inches square color photograph, less than 6 months old, against a white background, full frontal view.  The photo should be glued to the electronic DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form.  Click for more information on photo requirements.
    
   
3. Original Bank Receipt for Application Fee: The 904 RMB (effective Thursday, July 24, 2008) application fee may be paid at any CITIC Bank branch in China. Nonimmigrant visa applicants are required to tape their application fee receipt on the last page of the completed and printed out DS-156 Electronic Visa Application Form. Please do NOT cover the barcode area, and please do NOT staple or glue your receipt. 
   
   
4. Completed Visa Application Forms: DS-156 & DS-157.
    
   
5. Letter from Employer: A letter from your employer stating occupation, whether your position is permanent or temporary, purpose of travel, and length of stay.
   
   
6. Press ID: Your credentials issued by the Chinese government.
   
   
7. Employment Contract: Freelance media workers must also submit a valid contract of employment.
   

The above items should not be considered an exhaustive list and presentation of these documents does not guarantee visa issuance.  Be prepared to explain to the visa officer and present evidence regarding why you are going to the US and why you will return to China.