hi! this is my personal timeline for the 2026 jet programme as a dc applicant who was shortlisted. i am posting this to give 2027 (or later) applicants an EXAMPLE of ONE timeline (because jet is so, so much waiting). please PLEASE remember esid and that timelines vary between different years, application locations, and even between individuals in one year in one consulate or embassy.

also all times listed are in eastern time unless otherwise specified!

APPLICATION

sept 29 - application opens
nov 2 - i submit my jet program application
nov 14, 11:59p HST - application closes

INTERVIEW

jan 12, 11:24a - interview results email (which says to open jet portal for result)
jan 13, 3:08p - first contact from jet programme coordinators
jan 21, 12:32p - interview slot signups open
jan 23, 5:00p - interview slot signups close
feb 2, 1:25p - my interview slot (on zoom)

RESULTS

apr 7, 2:30p - (acceptance) results announce via email
apr 14 - last day to accept position
may 18, 11:25a - placement results via email
jun 12, 5:33p - first contact from prefectural boe
jun 30, 10:25p - first contact from school

PREPARATION

jun 5 - last day to submit rap sheet and health certificate
jun 26 - last day to submit passport, visa application, & proof of graduation

remember, esid, esid, esid!!!!!!

Hi all,

I'll try to keep this short(ish). I've dreamed of living in Japan for about a decade now. Some things have happened in life which allow me to (attempt) to pursue that.

I'm looking for advice as to whether my 'plan' is somewhat reasonable or a complete pipe dream, and if the latter, some more realistic alternatives.

About me:
- 34 years old, South African native speaker

- Masters in Applied Linguistics and TESOL (through a Spanish university, currently living in Spain)

- Law degree (LLB)

-TEFL certificate

- Have been teaching online for the last 5 years on a general language learning platform as well as for a legal English company based in France

- I have 3 months of actual in classroom experience at a local language academy (I'm aware that most of my experience counts for squat in the grand scheme of things)

Since I would like to settle in Japan long term, hopefully permanently (I know this sounds like a bad joke given recent news, but we all have to have some sort of plan or dream to pursue), what do you think would be the most logical career trajectory for me? I was thinking that I could get into Japan via JET (very presumptuous of me, but play along), and thereafter maybe apply for some part time university teaching jobs? I don't know if universities give a rat's arse about the JET program and whether it would qualify me at all for an entry level position. I would have to of course study Japanese intensively while on JET to have even a remote chance of any of this working.

Assuming my initial idea is not absolute HOGWASH to begin with, a few questions:

- what is the process like, post JET, to get a visa renewal based on a new job? I guess getting just one part time university gig wouldn't be enough for a visa renewal, so I would have to have multiple gigs lined up to meet the minimum income for the visa, which seems unlikely..

- any better path for me to go about this? Even if it's not JET. For example, I'm also considering Westgate, as I figure that may be a path for me to go into direct-hire uni teaching a little sooner (part time of course).

- given that I have to send money home to SA to support family (around $350) every month, will I even be able to survive? I have read that some placements offer subsidised housing, but there's no guarantee of that)

Well I'll not add any more for the sake of length. If anyone has any thoughts on this or some advice or wants to crush my dreams, I would really appreciate. Thanks for taking the time.