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JET Programme FAQs

 

yApplication Processz


GENERAL

4.1

How do I apply for the JET Programme?

4.2

Where can I obtain an application form to apply for the JET Programme?

4.3

When is the application deadline?

4.4

Can I apply to be both a CIR and ALT and choose after I am accepted?

4.5

I like sports, how do I apply to be an SEA?

4.6

Are late applications accepted?

NATIONALITY

4.7

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

4.8

I have dual nationality with two participating countries (eg. Canada and UK), can I apply from both?

4.9

I am currently not living in my country of citizenship, but the country that I live in also participates in the JET Programme (eg. US citizen living in Australia). Can I apply from here?

4.10

I am not a citizen of a participating country, but I have permanent residency and speak English. Can I apply?

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTACES

4.11

I currently live in Japan. Can I apply for the JET Programme from here?

4.12

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

4.13

I have a criminal record, how will this affect my selection?

4.14

I am worried that a medical condition will prevent me from being accepted on the Programme. What should I do?

PLACEMENT

4.15

I lived in Japan before, can I go to the same place as a JET participant?

4.16

I am applying with my spouse, will we be placed together?

4.17

I am worried about being placed in an isolated area, what are my chances of being placed in a big city?

APPLYING AGAIN

4.18

I applied to the JET Programme before but was not accepted, can I apply again?

4.19

I participated on the JET Programme before, can I apply again?

SCHEDULING / DEFERMENT

4.20

If accepted, can I defer participation for one year?

4.21

I would like to do JET for just six months, is that possible?

4.22

Can I change my departure date?

4.23

Can I change my interview location?

4.24

Can I reschedule my interview?

4.25

I have been given an interview but will be away travelling, what will happen?

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4.1
How do I apply for the JET Programme?

The application and selection process for the JET Programme is handled by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its Embassies and Consulates in participating countries. For country-specific information, please contact or visit the homepage of the Embassy of Japan in your country of citizenship.
>> For a list of participating countries, click here.

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4.2
Where can I obtain an application form to apply for the JET Programme?

Contact the JET Coordinator at any of the Japanese Embassies or Consulates in your country of citizenship. Please note that application forms are NOT available in Japan.
>> Click here for Embassy and Consulate information.

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4.3
When is the application deadline?

Specific deadlines for applications vary by country of citizenship. Therefore, interested applicants must contact the Japanese Embassy in their country of citizenship to find the application deadline.

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4.4
Can I apply to be both a CIR and ALT and choose after I am accepted?

No, it is not possible to apply for both positions at the same time; you will have to evaluate yourself based on the eligibility criteria for each position and apply for the position that best suits you.

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4.5
I like sports, how do I apply to be an SEA?

SEAs are found following a special recruitment process; therefore it is not possible to apply to be an SEA. Please apply as an ALT or CIR, and use your love of sports within the curriculum or job framework that these positions provide.

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4.6
Are late applications accepted?

Late applications are not accepted. Furthermore, the applicant will be disqualified should he/she fail to meet any subsequent deadline at any stage in the application process.

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4.7
I have dual nationality with Japan and one of the countries participating in the JET Programme. Can I still apply for JET?

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

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4.8
I have dual nationality with two participating countries (eg. Canada and UK), can I apply from both?

No, you can only apply through one participating country. Please choose the country through which you would prefer to apply, keeping in mind that your interview and departure will be in that country.

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4.9
I am currently not living in my country of citizenship, but the country that I live in also participates in the JET Programme (eg. US citizen living in Australia). Can I apply from here?

Specific deadlines for applications vary by country of citizenship. Therefore, interested applicants must contact the Japanese Embassy in their country of citizenship to find the application deadline.

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4.10
I am not a citizen of a participating country, but I have permanent residency and speak English. Can I apply?

You cannot apply to the JET Programme through the Embassy of Japan in the country where you hold permanent residency. Those Embassies accept applications only from citizens. If you are a citizen of any of the participating countries, 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.

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4.11
I currently live in Japan. Can I apply for the JET Programme from here?

Yes, you can apply from Japan. However, you must apply through the Embassy of Japan in the country in which you have citizenship, provided that country is one of the countries which participate in the JET Programme. Also, you will have to return to your country of citizenship for the interview if one is granted to you. Interviews are not held in Japan.

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4.12
How are married / engaged / companion couples treated in the selection process?

Couples are treated the same as every other JET Programme applicant: that is, each applicant is considered based on the strength of their application and their success at the interview.

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4.13
I have a criminal record, how will this affect my 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 whether or not to offer you a position on the Programme.

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4.14
I am worried that a medical condition will prevent me from being accepted on the Programme. What should I do?

People with various medical conditions have been accepted on to the JET Programme in the past. Applications are judged on their individual merit. Providing that both you and your doctor believe you are fit to take part, then your medical condition should not preclude you from participating. It is important that you disclose any and all medical conditions as required in the application form.

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4.15
I lived in Japan before, can I go to the same place as a JET participant?

It is possible, but unlikely that you will be placed in the same area or in a nearby location. New JET Programme participants are placed after careful consideration of both their requests and the needs of the Contracting Organisation (Host Institution).

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4.16
When is the application deadline?

Specific deadlines for applications vary by country of citizenship. Therefore, interested applicants must contact the Japanese Embassy in their country of citizenship to find the application deadline.

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4.17
I am worried about being placed in an isolated area, what are my chances of being placed in a big city?

The goal of the JET Programme is to enhance internationalisation in local communities in Japan. Few JET participants, therefore, find themselves placed in large cities. The majority of JET participants are placed in small to medium sized cites or in small towns and villages. For a look at current numbers, please visit the Current Statistics section.

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4.18
I applied to the JET Programme before but was not accepted, can I apply again?

Yes, you can re-apply the following year, but you will have to re-complete and re-submit the entire application packet including getting new copies of all necessary supporting documents.

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4.19
I participated on the JET Programme before, can I apply again?

Former JET participants can re-apply but only if they have not participated in the JET Programme in the last 10 years.

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4.20
If accepted, can I defer participation for one year?

No, if accepted on JET, applicants may NOT defer the position for any length of time.

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4.21
I would like to do JET for just six months, is that possible?

No, JET Programme participants must agree to the Terms and Conditions which stipulate a one-year contract.

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4.22
Can I change my departure date?

No, it is not possible for a new participant to change his/her date of departure for Japan. All new participants will arrive in Japan on the date assigned to their respective Consulate or Embassy.

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4.23
Can I change my interview location?

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

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4.24
Can I reschedule my interview?

Please contact the Embassy or Consulate through which you applied. However, as a rule interviews will only be held during the scheduled interview period. Due to the large number of interviews conducted, individual schedules cannot be accommodated.

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4.25
I have been given an interview but will be away traveling, what will happen?

You MUST interview in your home country at the Embassy or Consulate that you designated on your application form. You will be disqualified if you cannot attend the interview.

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