J-1 visa holders in the United States, including students participating in work and travel program, are subject to specific rules and regulations outlined by the U.S. Department of State. Here are key aspects of the rules and laws for J-1 students working in the USA:

Local Laws #

Please respect and follow the Local Laws!

• Solicitation on public or private property is prohibited.
• Drinking alcohol under the age of 21 years is illegal.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages in public or in a vehicle is illegal.
• Being drunk in public is prohibited.
• Causing damage to a hotel or motel room is illegal.
• Disrupting the flow of traffic by a pedestrian is illegal.

Safety #

Be Safe!

• Do not walk alone at night and stay in well-lit areas.
• Do not carry important documents with you.
• Never give out your passport to anyone.
• Put your money in the bank and do not carry large amounts of cash.
• Do not carry large bags and/or backpacks.
• Lock your bike.
• Do not hitchhike, especially if you get a ride offered by a stranger.
• Only carry a photocopy of your passport in your wallet, do not carry the original with you and keep the original in a safe place.
• If you are ever in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation, ask a Police officer for help.

Safety for women #

Women, especially international students, can easily be the target of robbery, rape, or other serious crimes. Helpful tips:

• Never walk alone at night.
• Always go out in a group.
• Always keep an eye on your drink when you go out.
• Never accept an open drink from a stranger.
• Never drink something that looks or smells strange.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If someone is following you, get to a well-lit area and call 911.

U.S. State Department J1 Visa Emergency Hotline: (866) 283-9090
Information about police officers in the U.S.:
Please do not be afraid to approach a police officer and ask for help. Police officers are public servants and can be trusted. They will not ask you for money and if you are lost, please do not hesitate to ask for directions.

Other Safety #

Walking Safety

When walking, always use the sidewalk and if there isn’t one, walk on the road’s shoulder. Make it a habit to use crosswalks instead of walking on the street and always look both ways before crossing. It’s important to avoid flagging down cars for rides, as this can be unsafe and unpredictable.

Biking Safely

While biking, adhere strictly to traffic signals, signs, and road markings. Avoid riding on sidewalks and always go in the direction of traffic, sticking to the far right-hand side of the road. At night, ensure you use lights and reflectors for visibility. Be mindful of pedestrians and be aware of vehicles that might turn right at red lights.

Financial Safety

Keep your money secure by using ATM cards for transactions rather than carrying cash. This reduces the risk of theft or loss. Consider wiring money to your home country and use internet banking for a quick check of your account balances. Also, keep your passport and other valuables in a safe deposit box for added security.

Drugs and Smoking #

• Possession of controlled dangerous substances or drugs is illegal in the USA.
• The legal age to purchase cigarettes in the USA is 21.

For more information about U.S. laws follow the link: https://usahello.org/life-in-usa/laws/useful-us-laws/