DOS Letter on I Visa Holders

Mr. Theodore Ruthizer
Attorney at Law
Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104

Dear Mr. Ruthizer:

This is in response to your letter of November 1, 1995 asking whether an alien who is a bonafide representative of a foreign information media having its home office in a foreign country may be employed by either a wholly-owned subsidiary of the foreign company in the U.S., or the U.S. branch office.

Following a review of the relevant regulations and guidelines, it is the view of this office that an individual seeking to qualify for "I" nonimmigrant visa status may be employed by either the branch office or a subsidiary provided that his activities are being conducted principally for the benefit of the foreign-based media.

We hope this has been responsive to your inquiry.

Sincerely,

H. Edward Odom, Chief
Advisory Opinions Division
Directorate for Visa Service

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