For Canadian applicants, applications are submitted through our online portal during the fall submission period. Applications are then assessed and successful applicants are invited for an interview. Successful candidates are then notified, asked to submit some final documents, and participate in pre-departure orientation and training. Announcements are made on our website and social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) when new application cycles begin.

Please refer to the How to Apply and Application & Departure Process pages for additional information.

JET Programme Canada is now paperless and applications are done entirely through the online application portal. The application and updated specifications become available with the beginning of each application cycle. Please refer to the How to Apply page to learn more.

The application deadline varies from year to year but typically falls in late November. When the fall application cycle opens and specifications are released, ensure that you check the deadline for that application year as they can vary. When dates for the application period are decided, we will make an announcement. Please check back to this site or follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for updates and announcements.  

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

Yes, you can apply while living outside of Canada. However, you must be able to access the Online Application Portal in order to apply. Be aware that retrieving required documents may also be more difficult while living abroad. You will also have to return to Canada for the interview if one is granted to you and to depart for Japan.

Yes, you can apply from Japan. However, you must apply through the Embassy or a Consulate (General) of Japan in Canada. You will also have to return to Canada for the interview if one is granted to you. Interviews are not held in Japan nor via the telephone or internet.

Please keep in mind that JET is an international programme with over 40 participating countries. Each year, numerous embassies and consulates around the world must process thousands of applications before selecting a limited number of participants for the final shortlist. Prospective applicants should consider whether they are able to commit to this process before submitting their application.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to choose referees that fit our criteria. As guidelines and criteria can change from year to year, it is important for the applicant to review them when they are released at the beginning of the application cycle. Typically, we require references from those who have directly supervised the applicants in a professional, volunteer, or educational capacity. If an applicant has not yet received their Bachelor’s Degree, we require one reference letter from someone related to the applicant’s university (or college).

You may only apply for one type of position for the application cycle. However, CIR applicants may state whether they would be happy to be considered for an ALT position if they are deemed more suitable for this role at the interview stage.

Couples are treated the same as every other JET Programme applicant and must apply individually. Each applicant will be considered based on their application and interview performance.

If you and your spouse are selected as successful candidates for the JET Programme, efforts will be made to place you in the same or neighbouring contracting organisations. However, please be aware that this is not possible in every case.

Applicants may request up to three preferred placements and explain why they have chosen them. Special consideration will be given to those with medical or family reasons for requesting a specific placement. However, please note that placement requests cannot be guaranteed. JET Programme participants are placed after careful consideration of both their requests and the needs of the contracting organisation. The final decision is made by a joint committee consisting of representatives from three separate government ministries, based on recommendations from the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR).

JET Programme participants are placed throughout the country, including major urban areas such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Please bear in mind that the number of placements in such areas is much lower than the number of people requesting them. Applicants should consider other parts of the country where there is a greater need to promote internationalisation.

Please read through the website carefully to confirm your eligibility and to familiarise yourself with the application process. Applicants should consider contacting their referees and start preparing their supporting documents (or look into how to obtain them) as these processes can take time.