You must apply to the appropriate US consulate or embassy with the following documents to obtain an I-visa, which is also known as the media visa.

• Passport
  
  
• One photograph
  
  
• DS-156, nonimmigrant visa application form.
  
  
• DS-157, supplemental nonimmigrant visa application form.
  
  
• Visa Fees
  Application fee and service charge to be paid in advance at participating HDFC bank before taking an appointment.
  Visa fee receipt issued by HDFC bank with two bar code stickers to be carried to the consulate at the time of interview.
  
  
• Interview appointment letter.
  Sample
  
  

• Proof of the work you will do in the U.S.
  
  
• Proof of employment:
  • Staff Journalist: An employer letter that contains the name of the employee and position held in the company, as well as purpose and length of stay in the US.
    
    
  • Freelance Journalist under contract to a media organization: A copy of the contract with the organization, which shows the employee's name and position held in the company, purpose and length of stay in the US, required duration for filming in the US and duration of contract, as well as press card/credentials.
    Also, they must hold a credential issued by a professional journalistic association. Optionally, you may also be asked for the proof of journalistic work done in the past 6 months.
    
    
  • Media Film Crew: Employment letter that includes
    • Employee name
    • Position held within the company
    • Title and brief description of the program being filmed
    • Required duration for filming in the US
    
    
  • Independent Production Company under contract to media organization: A letter from the organization commissioning the work that provides the following information:
    • Name
    • Title and brief description of the program being filmed
    • Required duration for filming in the US
    • Duration of contract
• At some consulates, a self-addressed, stamped envelope large enough for your passport and all submitted documents.

For each applicant, in addition to the mandatory documents listed above, following documents are required for dependent spouse/children:

• Applying together with the primary applicant:
  • In case of spouse, original marriage certificate.
    
    
  • In case of each child, original birth certificate.
    
    
• Applying separately from the primary applicant:
  • In case of spouse, original marriage certificate.
    
    
  • In case of each child, original birth certificate.
    
    
  • Proof that your spouse is a genuine representative of a foreign press, radio, film or other information medium that has its home office in a foreign country or a duly accredited representative of a tourist bureau operated by a foreign government.
    
    
  • Proof of the work the primary applicant will do in the U.S.