JET Program applicants have their choice of requesting to be interviewed at any of the Consulates in the US or the Embassy, located in Washington, D.C. on their application form. For a list of all interview locations, please access the Embassy of Japan JET webpage: Contact .
Please note that some Consulates (such as the one in Denver) run interviews in more than one location, so please read through the list completely. This cannot be changed once you submit your application. Interview locations are also departure locations. Locations are divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. You can interview and depart from different cities as long as they are both part of the same group.

Applicants are usually informed in January whether or not they have been selected for an interview. Candidates who have successfully moved on to the interview phase of the application process will be interviewed at a predetermined time on one day during the interview period. Candidates are only interviewed once during the selection process. There are not multiple interview phases. Please see the interview page for more information on interviews.

The number of successful candidates changes every year due to several reasons. Every year the number of CIR and ALT positions which become open on the JET Program fluctuates. The number of JETs choosing to return to their home-countries varies annually. In addition, the JET Program recently extended the maximum number of years to participate on the program from three years to five years. As a result, some JETs are opting to stay on the JET Program for the full five years to maximize their time in Japan, thus reducing the normal amount of turnover in many positions. At the same time, more JET positions are opening up in the elementary schools, therefore creating more positions.

QUICK APPLICATION FACTS:

Applicants who will apply for the 2016 departure year must at least hold a Bachelor's degree as of July 15, 2016. The JET Program works on an annual cycle. If you will not have your degree by the above date, you can plan to apply to the JET Program for the departure year that fits with your graduation schedule.

Applications for the 2016 JET departure year is available via the Embassy of Japan JET webpage. You are welcome to visit the website at any time to familiarize yourself with the application process.

The application is through an online system, but candidates must also be sure to physically send their applications in the manner specified to the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC by the deadline. Applications cannot be accepted at the various Consulates.

Applications were due on November 20 by 5:00 pm,and are no longer accepted. The deadline is not a postmark deadline. The deadline is the date by which all materials should be received at the Embassy of Japan, located in Washington, DC.