Journalists currently in the United States who need to revalidate or renew their "I" visas may go in person to drop off their visa renewal applications. A drop off mail slot is located at 526 23rd Street, N.W. (next to the Authentications Office) on the retail plaza level of the Columbia Plaza complex. In addition, a reception desk located near the mail slot is open for acceptance of in-person applications from 11 am until 12 noon, Monday through Friday. To revalidate the "I" visa, submit:

1) A passport valid for at least six (6) months and evidence of a previous "I" visa. The existing "I" visa cannot have a remaining validity of more than 60 days and cannot be expired for more than one year. The passport must contain a blank, unmarked page for placement of the visa.

2) The original I-94 (white card) issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) at the US port of entry should be stapled in the passport.

3) A letter from the journalist's employer that identifies the journalist and describes in detail the nature and function of his or her position, as well as a justification for the visa and a listing of the dependents, if there are any. If the employer is abroad and the journalist is the only U.S. representative, the letter should give the journalist's U.S. office address and telephone number but must be signed by the employer.

4) A typed nonimmigrant visa application form, OF-156, with one passport-size photograph, with white or light background, for each applicant regardless of age. The photographs must be attached to the respective forms in the designated place. Please spell out the month of birth (i.e., write "January 2," NOT 1/2 or 2/1). Incomplete or improperly filled out applications are returned without visas. The OF-156 application form may be obtained via autofax at 202-647-3000, document 6306.

5) If the journalist's spouse and children are applying separately, certified copies of the journalist's valid visa and valid I-94 (front and back) must be submitted along with the evidence stated above.

6) A self-addressed, stamped or pre-paid envelope (preferrably a padded one for safety of the passport) or a pre-paid airbill for return of the passport(s) by express service.

7) There is a required $45 non-refundable fee for each machine readable visa. Payment may be made by bank draft, money order, or corporate check made to the order of the "U.S. Department of State." Cash or personal checks are not acceptable. In addition, certain nationalities must also pay a "reciprocity fee." The amount of these fees vary from country to country. In the case of multiple applicants, payment of all MRVs may be consolidated in one check, and all reciprocity fees in another. However, you may not combine payments for both fees in one single check.

Journalists may continue to mail applications to the address above. Put the journalist's last name and news organization along with an "I" on the outside of the envelope so it may be given expeditious processing. To keep the passport(s) from getting lost, only one family's passports should be in the same envelope. Processing time for issuance of the visa is approximately 10 working days from receipt of the completed application. If there are time constraints, we urge you to apply for the visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad or through the U.S. border post program.