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 analyst, editorial and other broadcasting features, or a news analysis specialist. The term broadcaster does not include aliens engaged in commercial or entertainment broadcasting activities.
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
An immigrant visa is immediately available to you
02
Regulatory Criteria
Who Qualifies as a Broadcaster
The term "broadcaster" includes various media professionals working for USAGM or its grantees. This does not include aliens engaged in commercial or entertainment broadcasting activities.
Examples
Reporter
Writer
Translator
Editor
Producer
Announcer
News broadcast host
News analyst
Editorial and other broadcasting features personnel
News analysis specialist
Employer Requirements
The petitioner must be the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) or a grantee of the USAGM. The employer files Form I-360 on behalf of the broadcaster.
Examples
United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM)
USAGM grantees authorized to employ broadcasters
Employer files Form I-360 on broadcaster's behalf
Broadcaster cannot self-petition
Annual Visa Limit
There is an annual limit of 100 visas per year in this category. Spouses and children are not counted towards this limit.
Examples
100 visas per year for broadcasters
Spouses are not counted toward the 100 limit
Children are not counted toward the 100 limit
Limited availability may affect processing times
Application Process - Outside the United States
If you live outside the United States, the USAGM or its grantee must first file Form I-360. If approved, USCIS will forward the petition to the Department of State for consular processing.
Examples
USAGM or grantee files Form I-360
USCIS forwards approved petition to Department of State
Consular processing of special immigrant visa
Visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Application Process - Inside the United States
If you live inside the United States, the USAGM or its grantee must file Form I-360. If approved, you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Examples
USAGM or grantee files Form I-360
If I-360 approved, file Form I-485 for adjustment of status
Submit required evidence with Form I-485
Attend biometrics appointment
Family Members
Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 (known as "derivatives") may be included on your immigration petition.
Examples
Spouse may be included on petition
Unmarried children under 21 may be included
Family members residing in U.S. each file Form I-485
Family members not counted toward 100 visa annual limit
Work and Travel Authorization
When you have a pending Form I-485, you may apply for authorization to work in the United States and to seek advance parole (advance permission to travel and be admitted upon return).
Examples
May apply for work authorization with pending I-485
May apply for advance parole (travel document)
Work authorization allows employment while case is pending
Advance parole allows international travel and return
03
Application Process
USAGM Files I-360
USAGM or its grantee files Form I-360 petition on your behalf.
USCIS Review
USCIS reviews petition and makes determination.
Visa Available
Check that immigrant visa is immediately available (100 per year limit).
Consular or Adjustment
If abroad, consular processing; if in U.S., file Form I-485.
Supporting Evidence
Submit required evidence for adjustment of status.
Green Card
Receive permanent resident status upon approval.
04
Key Benefits
Permanent residence (Green Card) for qualified broadcasters
Spouse and children may accompany as immigrants
Family members not counted toward annual visa limit
Path to U.S. citizenship after 5 years
Work and travel authorization available during processing
05
Documents Needed
Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (filed by USAGM)
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (if in U.S.)
Evidence of employment as broadcaster for USAGM or grantee
Passport and travel documents
Birth certificate
Medical examination (Form I-693)
Passport-style photographs
Evidence of relationship for derivatives (marriage certificate, birth certificates)
06
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a broadcaster under this category?
A broadcaster includes a reporter, writer, translator, editor, producer, announcer, news broadcast host, news analyst, editorial and other broadcasting features personnel, or a news analysis specialist. It does not include aliens engaged in commercial or entertainment broadcasting activities.
Can I file the Form I-360 myself?
No. The Form I-360 must be filed on your behalf by the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) or a grantee of the USAGM. You cannot self-petition in this category.
How many visas are available each year?
There is an annual limit of 100 visas per year in this category. Spouses and children are not counted towards this 100 visa limit.
Can my family immigrate with me?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be included on your immigration petition. They are not counted toward the 100 visa annual limit.
Can I work while my Green Card application is pending?
Yes. When you have a pending Form I-485, you may apply for authorization to work in the United States.
Can I travel while my application is pending?
Yes. You may apply for advance parole (advance permission to travel and be admitted to the United States upon your return) while your Form I-485 is pending.
Need help with your immigration case?
Hasan Legal PC attorneys handle USCIS petitions, family immigration, employment-based green cards, and naturalization across Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland.