I-Visa (journalist) vs. B1- which one has less troubles

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51 minutes ago, Polis said:

How long do people with I-Visas usually stay in the U.S will all the limitations? Can they truly sustain their lives while being paid by the foreign media sending them?

 

The media company who is sending them is usually paying them their regular salary plus expenses. My former employer would arrange for an apartment and transport costs to be covered for long assignments - 3+ months. For shorter assignments, you have a daily expenses rate to cover hotels and also extra for daily meals - based on the idea that you have to pay more for food when living out of a hotel. All transport, equipment and operational needs costs connected to the assignment are paid by the media organization you represent. Some companies give you extra money for late or very early hours work too - which if you are sent over to cover a breaking news story like a disaster such as a hurricane etc you will need as you'll be working long intense days over a short period of time. 

 

I-visas aren't for living in the US - they are for covering a specific assignment and it is only for foreign news outlets. 

 

When I had my I-visa in my passport and I was visiting my boyfriend I was told each time to make sure I didn't do any work because I had entered under the VWP and not declared my work and entered under the I-visa.