JET Application Information
2025/10/22
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 JET Program USA webpage.
Please note that in principle, interview locations are also departure locations. However, it is possible to change to a different departure location within the same group (e.g. an individual who interviewed in a Group A city could choose to depart from another Group A city, but not a Group B city, and vice-versa).
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 for the JET Program fluctuates each year due to several factors. The availability of Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) and Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) positions depends on local government and school needs, which change annually. Additionally, the number of current JET participants who choose to return to their home countries varies from year to year, affecting the number of openings.
Since the JET Program extended its maximum participation period to five years, many participants now opt to stay longer, which has led to a decrease in annual turnover. This extended tenure allows JETs to deepen their contributions to their host communities, but it also means fewer positions open up each cycle.
At the same time, there has been a continued increase in ALT placements at elementary schools, reflecting Japan’s emphasis on early foreign language education. As a result, new opportunities are emerging for ALTs in younger grade levels, even as overall turnover slows
Please note that in principle, interview locations are also departure locations. However, it is possible to change to a different departure location within the same group (e.g. an individual who interviewed in a Group A city could choose to depart from another Group A city, but not a Group B city, and vice-versa).
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 for the JET Program fluctuates each year due to several factors. The availability of Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) and Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) positions depends on local government and school needs, which change annually. Additionally, the number of current JET participants who choose to return to their home countries varies from year to year, affecting the number of openings.
Since the JET Program extended its maximum participation period to five years, many participants now opt to stay longer, which has led to a decrease in annual turnover. This extended tenure allows JETs to deepen their contributions to their host communities, but it also means fewer positions open up each cycle.
At the same time, there has been a continued increase in ALT placements at elementary schools, reflecting Japan’s emphasis on early foreign language education. As a result, new opportunities are emerging for ALTs in younger grade levels, even as overall turnover slows
QUICK APPLICATION FACTS:
- Applicants who will apply for the 2026 departure year must at least hold a Bachelor's degree as of June 26, 2026. 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 2026 JET departure year become available via the JET Program USA website. You are welcome to visit the website at any time to familiarize yourself with the application process.
- The application is through an online system and must be submitted by the deadline which will be stated on the website. If you have any questions regarding the JET Program after referencing these online resources, please contact the JET Program office at: 303-297-5336 or jet.program.denver@de.mofa.go.jp
