Participant Status

What is a 'short-listed' candidate?

Being 'short-listed' indicates that you are scheduled to be placed with a Contracting Organization in Japan. Placement is determined after accepting short-list candidacy through submitting the Reply Form. Placement is possible in almost all cases.

As an alternate, what are the chances that I will be upgraded to short-listed status? When?

An alternate is offered a position under the following circumstances:

1. A current JET participant changes their mind about renewing and the Consulate is asked to promote an alternate candidate.
2. A current JET participant decides to leave the program and the Consulate is asked to promote an alternate candidate.

The JET Programme cannot foresee why and when participants will withdraw, and as such, the number of alternates promoted and the timing varies each year.
Alternate candidates will be contacted as positions become available. Most upgrades occur before the initial departure date (August 1, 2015), however, positions can become available well-after this date. The likelihood of being upgraded after this date decreases with time.

As an alternate, can I find out where I am on the alternate list?

The Consulate cannot provide alternates with information as to their ranking on the alternate list nor proximity to making the short-list.

My partner and I both applied, but one of us was not accepted on the Programme. What are our options?

JET participants are responsible for informing the Consulate, as well as their Contracting Organization, when a spouse or partner will accompany them. Spouses can accompany you as a dependent, and will qualify for a dependent visa. Fiances, boyfriends, girlfriends and common law spouses may be able to accompany you with the prior consent of your Contracting Organization, however they are not eligible for a dependent visa. See the Visas section of this FAQ for their visa options.