embassy seal U.S. Dept. of State
Japan Embassy flag graphic
Home American Citizen Services Visas to the U.S. U.S. Policy & Issues American Centers “ú–{Œê
Visa Information


NON-IMMIGRANT CATEGORIES

Journalists and Media Representatives


Japanese journalists and media representatives who will be engaged in information media activities in the United States must obtain a visa. The visa symbol is "I".

Journalists and media representatives include reporters, film crews, video tape editors, employees of independent production companies, free-lance journalists working under contract, and persons in similar occupations. Both print and film activities are included in this category, however, if you are going to shoot film or video, it must be of an informational or educational nature. An I visa cannot be used to film material which will be used primarily for commercial entertainment or advertising purposes. If you plan to work on a film which is primarily intended for entertainment or advertising, you must obtain a temporary worker visa. Please see the information on Temporary Worker Visas.

Application Procedures: For information on the documents required to apply for a media visa, pleas see our application checklist.


Please note that because of new security regulations, some applications may require an additional clearance and longer processing. Since the application process cannot be accelerated, please apply well in advance of your travel date, and do not purchase plane tickets until you have received your visa. Applicants should refrain from calling the Embassy merely to inquire about the status of their application. Visa applicants should never assume their application would be automatically approved.

Visas for family members:

  • Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 can receive an I visa to accompany the employee to the US. The application procedure is the same.

  • If your family members apply after your visa has been issued, they will need to have a copy of your visa included with their application.







    		•
    HOME |  AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES |  VISAS |  POLICY ISSUES |  STATE DEPT.
    CONTACT US |   PRIVACY |  WEBMASTER     		Embassy of the United States