New RSA campaign warns of driving disqualification impact on J1 Visas
Eva Osborne
A new Road Safety Authority (RSA) campaign highlights the impact that a driving disqualification can have on those planning a J1 Visa.
The RSA, USIT Travel and An Garda Síochána are targeting new and returning college students with a drink and drug driving campaign warning them that a conviction may stop them from going to the US on a J1 - or ever.
The social media campaign is aimed at students across Ireland as they settle back in college and begin considering, researching and planning a summer abroad next year on USIT’s J1 USA visa programme.
It flashes between footage of an isolated Irishman left at home with that of his friends, who are away on the adventure of a lifetime in the US.
New Campaign Highlights Impact of a Driving Disqualification on those Planning a J1 Visa next summer.🔗 https://t.co/hW3SvkLglu
1/2 pic.twitter.com/OnK0zwH7v4— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) September 25, 2024
Chief executive of the RSA, Sam Waide, said: “This is designed to show how a drink or drug driving conviction or disqualification may impact someone’s chances on getting a J1 visa for the summer.
"If you are returning to college this autumn, please remember to drink responsibly and plan how you will get back to your accommodation at the end of the night.
"If you live far from campus, arrange in advance to travel home with a group of friends by taxi or public transport.”
The campaign runs across Meta, Snapchat and TikTok from until Sunday, October 13th. Students who intend to travel to the US begin their planning in September, making this an optimal time to deliver this important message, the RSA said.
Lisa Collender, head of Ireland, USIT, said: “As we look ahead to the summer of 2025, we are excited at USIT to assist thousands of students across all third level colleges to work in the USA on a summer J-1 visa.
"Staying safe and responsible behind the wheel is not just about avoiding fines or penalties. It’s about safeguarding your future. A DUI (driving under the influence) offense can prevent you from being eligible for a J-1 visa, cutting off your chance to work, travel, and experience life in the United States. ]
"Protect your opportunities, your safety, and your dreams – never drink and drive.”
Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said: “As students return to college, many will be driving to and from third level campuses nationwide, on Fridays and Sundays in particular.
"It is critically important that they are staying safe while driving, keeping their attention on the road and mindful of all the road safety laws in place.
"Driving offences and acquiring penalty points affect your licence and can ultimately disqualify you from driving, but getting a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have long-term consequences."
Hilman said testing positive for alcohol and or drugs while behind the wheel "won’t just put you off the road, it will potentially stay with you for life".
"That likely means no J1 with friends and it can certainly have a knock-on effect on visa approval processes in other countries too.
"Gardaí conduct checkpoints for detecting intoxicated driving every single day all over the country – if you are planning on applying for a J1 visa – never get into your car after consuming alcohol or drugs. It is as simple as that.”
A total of 131 people have died on Irish roads this year, four less than the same period in 2023.
