Green Card for a Broadcaster
Aliens (and their spouses and children) who are coming to work in the United States as a broadcaster for United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), or for a grantee of the USAGM, may apply for a Green Card (permanent residence). The term “broadcaster” may include a reporter, writer, translator, editor, producer, announcer, news broadcast host, news analysis, editorial and other broadcasting features, or a news analysis specialist. The term broadcaster does not include aliens performing purely technical or support services or working in the entertainment field.
There is an annual limit of 100 visas per year in this category. Spouses and children are not counted towards this limit.
For more information, see Section 101(a)(27)(M), 203(b)(4) of the Immigration Nationality Act (INA) and 8 CFR 204.13.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible to obtain a Green Card as a broadcaster with the USAGM if:
- You have an approved Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), and Special Immigrant, that was filed on your behalf by the USAGM or a USAGM grantee;
- You are admissible to the United States; and
- An immigrant visa is immediately available to you.
Application Process
If You Live Outside the United States
The USAGM or it's grantee must first file Form I-360. If we approve your Form I-360, we will forward the approved petition to the Department of State for consular processing of the special immigrant visa. For more information, see the “Consular Processing” webpage.
If You Live Inside the United States
The USAGM or its grantee must file Form I-360. If we approve your Form I-360, you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Supporting Evidence for Form I-485
See the Checklist of Required Initial Evidence section of our Form I-485 page to see what evidence you must submit.
Family of Aliens That Qualify as a Broadcaster
Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, (known as “derivatives”) may be included on your immigration petition. If they are residing in the United States, they will each need to file a Form I-485.
Work and Travel Authorization
Generally, when you have a pending Form I-485, it is possible for you to apply for authorization to work in the United States and to seek advance parole (advance permission to travel and be admitted to the United States upon your return). For further information, see the Work Authorization and Travel Documents webpages.