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Visa Support Letters for Documentary Filmmakers

If you're a documentary filmmaker hoping to work in the U.S., navigating the visa process can feel overwhelming. For many visa types, you might need a letter that backs up your qualifications and supports your application. That’s where IDA can help.

 

What Is a Visa Letter of Support or Letter of No Objection?

When applying for certain U.S. work visas, like the O or P categories, documentary filmmakers from abroad often have to include a letter that confirms their professional experience and talent.

If you're not already part of a union (or even if you are), the International Documentary Association can serve as a professional organization and your peer reference. We can review your application and provide a letter that supports your case.

 

How to Request a Letter

IDA is a professional association for documentary film professionals and can, as such, act as a peer organization through USCIS in writing visa support letters. Some visas may require a letter from a peer organization alone, while others may require both a peer letter and one from a labor union, so be sure to check the specific rules for your visa type.

To request a visa support letter, please email your petition and the required documents to membership@documentary.org with the email subject “Requesting Visa Support Letter.” Upon receiving your documents, our team will review your materials and, if accepted, will write you a support letter. All requests will be honored within 14 business days.

Please note: IDA does not offer legal advice and is not working with licensed immigration attorneys. If you need help with the visa process itself, visit www.artistsfromabroad.org or ask us for a referral to a qualified attorney. If you need a referral for an immigration lawyer, please contact the IDA membership team at membership@documentary.org. 

 

What Documents Do We Need to Review?

Before we can consider writing a peer consultation letter, we ask applicants to send us the following materials:

  • Membership ID Number: Your membership ID number is available through the MyIDA portal or your Digital Membership Card.
  • Form I-129: This is the official visa petition form from USCIS. Please make sure it’s fully completed and signed.
  • Petitioner's Statement: A signed letter from the petitioner outlining the artist’s planned work or activities while in the U.S.
  • 2–3 Reference Letters: These should be signed letters from professionals who can speak to the filmmaker’s skill, talent, and qualifications. They help demonstrate the applicant’s exceptional ability.
  • Artist’s CV or Resume: This should include the artist’s background, career highlights, training, notable projects, and any awards or recognitions.

Applicants may submit evidence of their extraordinary ability as an additional resource. This can include:

  • Any additional letters of recommendation from experts or industry leaders
  • Press coverage, articles, or interviews
  • Copies of awards or recognition
  • Documentation of screenings, festival invitations, public performances, or exhibitions
  • Example letter written by their attorney

All documents must be submitted in their final form. If you plan to leave one of these items out of the visa petition, please contact us at membership@documentary.org. In certain cases, we may be able to accept alternate materials, such as a detailed itinerary or an example letter from the applicant’s attorney.

Important: These document requirements apply to individual filmmakers, arts groups, and performers requesting a peer letter through the International Documentary Association.

 

Who can request a Visa Support Letter?

All IDA Doc Maker level members (or those with higher level membership) applying for any of the O&P Visa categories can request a visa support letter. 

Please note that your membership must be active when you request the visa support letter and must remain active for a minimum of 6 months afterward. 

 

How Much Does It Cost?

Requesting a visa support letter is free for all IDA members with a Doc Maker or higher-level membership. 

Occasionally, after reviewing a visa application, USCIS may ask for more information, often in the form of a more detailed consultation letter. If IDA provided the original peer letter for the application that received the RFE (Request for Evidence), we can issue a follow-up letter. Please note that the follow-up letter will cost $100 and will take uptoto 10 business days. 

When you’re ready, you can request a letter by emailing membership@documentary.org.