How does the application process work?

I-visa applications are submitted to the appropriate US consulate in the applicants home country. In general, you apply for a visa to the US in your current country of residence.

Important: Since 2001 all applicants from age 14 through 79 are required to apply in person. That means you have to schedule an appointment at the US consulate for a personal interview. Do not mail your application in advance. (Exception: persons under the age of 14 or over the age of 79 may apply by mail.)

First of all, please schedule an appointment for an interview, check your local US embassy website for details. Normally you should not have to wait more than a few days or up to one or two weeks as the case may be for your appointment. During the main travel seasons (summer and winter), however, it is possible that you will have to wait for up to four weeks. Please schedule your appointment well in advance since US officials can and will not take individual travel arrangements into consideration.

Every applicant needs to pay an application fee of at present 130 US$ (=98.25 Euro), which you can usually pay online. Even if your visa is denied, this money will not be refunded. In addition to submitting the common application forms (DS 156 and DS 157) and paying the fee, applicants generally have to provide evidence of strong professional and personal ties to their country of residence (not the US!) and their intention to return there at the conclusion of the stay.

Additionally, extensive documentation concerning the intended journalistic activities in the US, the employer, and the applicant’s specific qualification is required.

Should the consular officer find any reason to suspect that you intend to immigrate into the US or to start working in the US, your application will almost certainly be refused. No reasons have to be given for a visa refusal.

Important: The consulate will keep your passport after the interview and return it to you by mail after a processing time of approx. 1-2 weeks. Only in some exceptional cases is it possible to pick up your passport in person the next day. For that, you have to check directly with the consular officer. It is not possible to get your visa immediately the same day!