JET Program - Official Website (USA)

Qualifications

Do I need a diploma or teaching certificate to apply for JET?

You must have at least a Bachelor's Degree or obtain one by July 1st, or be qualified to teach at primary/elementary schools in the U.S. or obtain such qualifications by July 1st (through the completion of at least a 3-year education/teacher training program for elementary, middle, or high schools in the US). Teaching certification or teaching experience is not required to apply for the JET Program.

Do I need a Bachelor's Degree in Japanese, English, or Education to apply for JET?

No, a Bachelor's Degree in any field is acceptable.

Do I need teaching experience in an actual school to apply for JET?

No, teaching experience in a school is not required for participation in the JET Program.

Do I need a TESL/TEFL certificate to apply for JET?

A few contracting organizations participating in the JET Program do request JET participants with this type of certification. However, it is not a "MUST" to apply for the program.

I graduated from a Junior College. Can I apply for this program?

No, you must have a Bachelor's Degree or obtain one by July 1, the year you depart for Japan.

I graduated from a teacher's training school. Can I apply for JET?

You can apply for JET if you have completed at least a 3-year education/teacher training program for elementary, middle, or high schools in the US as of July 1st.

Why does JET have an age limit of 40 years of age or younger?

The reason for this age limit is that one of the main purposes of the Program is to foster youth-to-youth exchange between Japanese youth and young professionals from the counties participating on the JET Program.

I don't have U.S. citizenship but am a permanent resident of the U.S. and speak English. Can I apply for JET?

You cannot apply for the JET Program through the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. The Embassy in Washington, D.C. accepts applications from U.S. citizens only. If you are a citizen of any of the 44 other countries participating in the JET Program, you may apply through the country in which you have citizenship. You must contact the Embassy of Japan or Consulate General of Japan in your home country to request an application.

I am not currently a U.S. citizen but have applied for citizenship. Can I still apply for JET through the U.S.?

Yes, but only if you will become a U.S. citizen by the application deadline.

I have dual nationality with Japan and one of the countries participating in the JET Program. Can I still apply for JET?

Yes, but you must renounce your Japanese citizenship before submitting your Reply Form in April (if accepted to the Program). Please contact the Embassy of Japan or one of the Japanese consulates for further information.

I have participated in the JET Program in the past. Can I apply again?

Former JETs can reapply but only if they have not participated in the program in the last 10 years. Former JETs who completed their contracts in summer 1996 or before are eligible to re-apply for the JET Program beginning with the 2006 JET Program. Those who began their contracts in summer 1996 or later are not yet eligible to re-apply for the program.

In the past, I applied to JET, was accepted, and then withdrew. Can I apply again?

In general, if you withdrew before you were notified of your placement, you can re-apply for JET during any program year. If you withdrew after your placement information was given to you and you had an unavoidable reason for withdrawing, you may re-apply during any program year. An example of an unavoidable reason is the serious illness or death of a family member. The final decision on whether your reason for withdrawing was unavoidable and whether you can re-apply will be determined by the JET Program Office at the Embassy of Japan. If you withdrew after you were notified of your placement information without an unavoidable reason, you are not eligible to re-apply for at least one program year. If you previously applied as a U.S. citizen and would like to re-apply for the 2006 program year but are not certain if you are eligible, please contact the JET Program Office at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. at (202) 238-6772/3.

I have lived in Japan in the past. Can I still apply for JET?

Yes, as long as you have not lived in Japan for 3 or more years total in the last 8 years.

Completing the Application

Can I use the 2005 JET Program application to apply for the 2006 JET Program?

No, you cannot. We make slight changes to the application every year. Therefore, you cannot use an application from a previous program year. Using an old application form may result in the disqualification of your application.

I am fully qualified for the program. Can I apply directly in Japan?

No, you cannot. You must apply through the country in which you have citizenship provided that country is one of the 44 countries which participates in the JET Program.

I do not have a typewriter. Can I fill in the application by hand?

Yes, you may fill in the application by hand as long as you write neatly. If your application is not legible, you may lose credit for experience or other qualifications that we cannot read. Due to the high volume of applications received each year, we do not have time to call individual applicants for clarification. A neat and well-prepared application also indicates the applicant's professionalism and serious desire to become a JET Program participant.

Can I apply for both the CIR and ALT positions?

No, you cannot. You may apply for only one of these positions.

Can I use the same application form which is used for the CIR and ALT positions to apply for the SEA position?

No, you cannot. The SEA application is different and recruitment for SEAs takes place only in the spring. For more information on applying for the SEA position, please click on the SEA link under "Job Descriptions."

Can I change the type of position, for example from CIR to ALT? If so, when is the last chance to change it?

It is not encouraged. However, you may be able to change before the end of the interview selection but only with the approval of the Embassy of Japan's JET Program Office.

Can I send in my transcripts and/or reference letters separately from my application?

No. You must send all application materials together in one envelope to the JET Office. If this is impossible, please contact the JET Office at the Embassy of Japan to get permission to have your documents sent separately.

Can I open my transcripts and references to make the required copies even though they are in sealed envelopes?

You may open your transcripts to make the required copies but you may NOT open your reference letters for any reason. Opened reference letters will not be read, and your application will be considered incomplete and may be disqualified.

The JET Program only requires participants to have a Bachelor's Degree. Does this mean that I only need to send in the transcript from the courses I took at my undergraduate university?

As stated in the application booklet, applicants must send transcripts from ALL undergraduate and graduate course work completed, including community college, junior college, study abroad, and any associate's degree transcripts. ALL transcripts should show the names of courses taken, dates, and grades received. In addition, study abroad transcripts should show where the study abroad program took place (city/country). Please read the instructions regarding transcripts in the "How to Apply" section CAREFULLY! If your transcripts do not show the required information, your application will likely be disqualified unless you also provide separate written proof. (See Question 10 for more information)

Do I need to have official transcripts or will a copy of my transcripts downloaded from the Internet be acceptable?

You must provide official transcripts. Official transcripts are generally on the school's letterhead, with an embossed seal, and the registrar's signature. The JET Program will only accept unofficial transcripts if they have the registrar's seal and/or signature and show no signs of tampering. The Embassy of Japan's JET Program Office will make the final determination on whether an unofficial transcript is acceptable.

Transcripts downloaded from the Internet will not be accepted. Both official and unofficial transcripts should show the names of the courses taken, the dates, and the grades received. Study abroad transcripts should show the courses taken, grades, dates, and city and country where the study abroad took place. If you cannot get an official transcript of your study abroad, an official letter from your university or study abroad program showing the courses taken, dates, grades, and city and country where the study abroad took place is acceptable.

I am currently in graduate school and my graduate school transcript contains information about my undergraduate course work. Is this acceptable?

It is acceptable as long as the graduate transcript shows the names of the undergraduate courses taken, dates, and grades received.

The JET Program application asks for my employment history. Is it okay just to attach my resume?

No, you must fill out the official application completely. However, since the employment section has limited space, you may add a maximum one-page attachment in the same format as the application. Please first use the spaces on the application form before adding an attachment. You should indicate on the application that you are including an attachment. Resumes will be discarded when your application is opened by the JET Program Office, and you will receive credit only for the experience written on the application form or in an attachment as described above.

Can I call or e-mail the JET Program Office to see if my application was received?

The JET Program Office is extremely busy during the application season so we ask that you do not call or e-mail us to inquire about the status of your application. As soon as we open your application and check it for the required materials, we will send you a confirmation notice indicating that we received your application. All applicants should receive a confirmation notice by the end of January. However, if you would like to know as soon as possible whether we received your application, we recommend that you send it by registered or certified mail.

Selection

What is the JET Program's selection procedure?

To be reviewed, applications must be submitted to the JET Program Office by the deadline. During December and January, applications are processed and reviewed. Applicants are notified by late January/early February whether or not they have been selected for interviews. Interviews are generally held in mid to late February. After interviews, the results of the application review and interviews are sent to Tokyo where the final decisions are made. Applicants will be notified of these final decisions sometime in early April. If an applicant is selected as a program participant, he or she will depart for Japan in late July or early August.

What are the general criteria for selection to the JET Program?

There are three general criteria for selection to the JET Program as either Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) or Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) positions. Applicants MUST 1) be U.S. citizens; 2) have earned or will earn a Bachelor's Degree by the time they depart for Japan (an exception is granted for those with teacher credentials. See Question 1.); 3) and not have lived in Japan for three or more years total in the last 8 years. For other eligibility criteria, please click on the General Information link to the left.

What are you looking for in ALT candidates?

Applicants should be motivated to teach English, work with kids, and participate in international exchange activities. They should also be flexible and adaptable to new cultures, as well as have a knowledgeable understanding of their own country and culture and be willing to share this knowledge with people of other cultures. Finally, applicants should be open-minded and interested in learning about Japanese language and culture.

What are you looking for in CIR candidates?

Applicants should be motivated to participate in international exchange activities. CIR applicants should have a strong command of the Japanese language at a semi-advanced or advanced level in the areas of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. As the duties of CIRs often include translating and interpreting, CIR candidates must also demonstrate a good command of English. In addition, they should be flexible and adaptable to new cultures, as well as have a knowledgeable understanding of their own country and culture and be willing to share this knowledge with people of other cultures. Finally, applicants should be open-minded and interested in learning more about Japanese language and culture.

I don't have any Japanese language ability. Is this a disadvantage for selection?

For CIR candidates this will disqualify you. For ALT candidates, not having any Japanese language ability will not disqualify you. If you do have some knowledge of the Japanese language, it would be an advantage to you as an ALT applicant.

I can speak a little Japanese but not well. Can I still apply for the CIR position?

Japanese language ability is required for CIR participants since they assist with international exchange activities in the local communities. Applicants need semi-advanced or advanced Japanese skills to function successfully as CIRs. Applicants at a semi-advanced level should have mastered grammar at a relatively high level, 1000 kanji (reading, writing, and pronunciation), a vocabulary of around 6000 words, and should be able to demonstrate listening and reading comprehension ability about matters of a general nature. Applicants at an advanced level should have mastered grammar at a high level, 2000 kanji (reading, writing, and pronunciation), a vocabulary of around 10,000 words, and should have an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society and for providing a useful base for study at a Japanese university. Interviews of CIR applicants are conducted in Japanese.

Will previous time spent in Japan help me in the selection process?

Yes, previous time spent in Japan will help you in the selection process because they reflect your interest in Japan and Japanese culture, possible Japanese language ability, and your adaptability to Japanese life. However, if you lived in Japan for three or more years in total in the last 8 years, you are not eligible to apply for the JET Program.

Is it possible for a participant to be disqualified after he or she has been offered a position on the JET Program?

Yes, a participant or an applicant can be disqualified from the program without warning in the following circumstances: the participant/applicant engages in conduct which is considered unsuitable for a JET Program participant or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the participant/applicant may engage in such behavior; the participant's/applicant's documents are found to contain false statements; required forms for participation are not submitted by set deadlines; or it becomes clear at a later date that the participant/applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria due to some reason attributable to the participant/applicant.

If I am chosen as an alternate, what are the chances that I will be upgraded to a participant and offered a position on the JET Program?

An alternate is offered a position when a participant withdraws from the program. The JET Program cannot foresee when candidates will withdraw and so cannot guarantee that an alternate will be upgraded.

Will my race and religion play a role in selection?

No.

How are married/engaged/companion couples treated in the selection process?

Married/engaged/companion couples are treated the same as unmarried/single applicants. Therefore, we cannot guarantee placement together for couples.

I have a criminal record. What role will this play in selection?

A criminal record will not necessarily disqualify you. However, the seriousness of the crime will be taken into account and a final decision will be made in Tokyo regarding whether or not to offer the applicant a position with the program.

If I am offered a position on the JET Program, may I defer my acceptance until the following year?

No. If you are accepted as a participant you may not defer participation to the following year. If you are accepted to the JET Program and you are unable to participate for any reason, you will have to re-apply if you ever wish to join the Program in the future.

Interviews

I was selected for an interview but would like to interview in a location different from the one I indicated on my application. Is this possible?

No, in most cases it is not possible to change your interview location.

I was selected for an interview but will be living in another country during the time of the interviews. This country does participate in the JET Program. Is it possible to interview there?

No, you MUST interview in your home country. The number of participants is decided by country and each country uses its own criteria to select participants.

If I am selected for an interview but cannot attend for various reasons (i.e., living and working in a foreign country, traveling to a foreign country, etc.) how will this affect my candidacy?

You will be disqualified if you cannot attend the interview.

Is it possible to schedule the interview for a time other than mid to late February?

No, interviews for U.S. participants will only be held during this time. Due to the large number of interviews conducted we cannot accommodate individual schedules. No exceptions.

Placement in Japan

How are placements allocated?

The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) considers the requests of both contracting organizations and participants. CLAIR then submits their proposals to the Special Mediator Committee consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications , and local governments. This committee makes the final decisions on participant placements.

What weight are participant placement requests given?

All requests are considered but due to the varying needs of each contracting organization it is difficult to satisfy every request. In all cases, the JET Program cannot guarantee any placement requests.

I have lived in Japan in the past. Is it possible to be posted to the place where I used to live?

Applicants are encouraged to indicate on the application (Question#16) if they have any placement requests. However, the JET Program cannot guarantee any requests.

If both my husband and I apply to the JET Program, can we be posted to the same place?

All applicants are considered as individuals during the selection process. However, the JET Program does try to place couples in the same area but cannot guarantee placement together.

What is the possibility of teaching in universities/colleges?

There have been no participants teaching at the university/college level since 1992. The purpose of the JET Program is to enrich foreign language education primarily in Japanese junior and senior high schools.

Is there any possibility of teaching at a private company?

No, there is no possibility.

Before departing for Japan can participants change their placements?

No, under no circumstances can participants change their placements.

Why is placement and working condition information not given to participants when they receive their offer of a position on the JET Program?

Placements are not decided until after successful candidates have been chosen and agree to accept a position with the program.

After receiving the notice of placement and contracting organization information can the participant make changes?

No, under no circumstances can participants change their placement or contracting organization.

How can I get information regarding the area in which I will be placed and my working conditions?

Your contracting organization will give you this information.

After arriving in Japan, can I change my placement?

Generally you cannot change your placement after arriving in Japan. However, under extraordinary circumstances placement changes may be considered.

Visas

What kind of visa is issued to JET Program participants and for how long is it valid?

Participants are issued working visas as CIRs (Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa) or as ALTs (Instructor visa) for a length of three years.

Can I obtain a visa in an Embassy or Consulate General of Japan outside of the U.S.?

In general, you must obtain the special visa for the JET Program from the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan where you were interviewed or from which you will depart.

When is the visa issued?

It is usually issued before the Pre-Departure Orientation.

How can I obtain a visa?

If you are JET Program participant, the JET Program Office at the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan where you were interviewed will issue you a visa. All participants will have to provide the JET Program Office with a signed and completed visa application form, passport (with at least one blank page for the visa sticker), and one 3cm x 4cm (passport-sized) photo. All passports with visa stickers will be returned to participants at the Pre-departure Orientation.

What kind of visa is provided to family members who accompany JET participants?

Family members are issued general visas for dependents for a length of stay of three year and a one-time entry.

Can a non-JET spouse obtain a work visa for Japan?

If a non-JET spouse wants to arrange a job before entering Japan, the work visa must be obtained prior to entering Japan. The company which is making the job offer must first provide a Certificate of Eligibility which is required in order to obtain this type of visa. If a non-JET spouse wants to arrange work after entering Japan, he or she can apply at the local immigration office for a provision that permits the spouse to work a maximum of 20 hours a week. The JET Program does not assist non-JET spouses in finding employment or in getting work visas.

If a participant wishes to accompany his or her fiancée, or girl (boy)friend, or common-law wife (husband) to Japan, what kind of visa can he or she get?

Under Japanese law, a fiancée, girl(boy)friend, and common-law wife (husband) are not considered the same as a spouse and cannot obtain a dependent visa. However, they can get a short-term visa that has a maximum length of stay of 90 days.

Can military personnel, military dependents, or government workers stationed in Japan participate in the JET Program without changing their visa status?

No, they cannot. All JET Program participants must agree to reside in Japan under the status of residence stipulated in Article 2-2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. If military personnel, military dependents, or government workers stationed in Japan accept a position on the JET Program, they must change their military, dependent, or government work status to one of the visas as explained in Question #1 of this section. They cannot have dual status while participating in the JET Program.

What is the procedure for departing and re-entering Japan?