The first time I applied for a journalist visa, I wasn’t able to get one — although I was given a B1/B2 visa, the one we often call now as tourist visa.
Since what was given me was a three-month single entry visa, I had to apply for another one when I had to go back to Seattle the following year for another coverage. Again, despite telling the consul at that time that I was going to the US for a press coverage, I was issued a B1/B2, but this time, it was one-year multiple entry visa.
I really didn’t care whether what I got was a B1/B2 or journalist visa, as long as I would be allowed entry into the US. When I arreived at the Seattle-Tacoma airport, the immigration officer there asked me the usual what’s-the-purpose-of-your-trip question. And when I answered I was there for a press coverage, he gave me a hard look and at the visa stamp in my passport. Then he asked me, “Did you tell that when you applied for your visa?”
[ This Message was edited by: christianj. on 2006-03-09 18:56 ]
Premium account Joined: Aug 04 Points: 30642 Posts: 958
Posted: 2006-03-09 15:32:00
General rule: one can ALWAYS visit most (99%) countries as a visitor or tourist for a few days or weeks as citizen of (almost) any country!
In every country, the USA and those of the EU specially, this is complicated if one intends to do work there (eg. as journalist specially curious) and the proper (expensive) formalities must be arranged well in advanced. This applies to nearly ALL countries, not only the EU and USA!
I heard sadly that once a visa is rejected that the following application is even more complicated! Correct proceedures and $$$ solve all lucky problems sadly. All of the above is just what I heard and believe and may change in time or not !
