Visas

Please Note:

Participants who have dual nationality must apply for the visa with their South African passport

What kind of visa is issued to JET Programme participants and for how long is it valid?

ALTs are issued an ‘Instructor visa’ for a length of three years.

Can I obtain a visa in an Embassy or Consulate General of Japan outside of South Africa?

In general, you must obtain the special visa for the JET Programme from the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan where you were interviewed or from which you will depart.

When is the visa issued?

It is usually issued before the Pre-Departure Orientation.

How can I obtain a visa?

If you are JET Programme participant, the Embassy in Pretoria or the Consulate in Cape Town will issue you a visa. All participants will have to provide the Visa section with a signed and completed visa application form, passport (with at least one blank page for the visa sticker), one 45mm x 45mm photo and a copy of your JET acceptance letter.

Participants will have to visit the Embassy or Consulate IN PERSON to process the visa. Visas are FREE for JET Programme participants.

Can a non-JET spouse obtain a work visa for Japan?

If a non-JET spouse wants to arrange a job before entering Japan, the work visa must be obtained prior to entering Japan. The company that makes the job offer must first provide a Certificate of Eligibility that is required in order to obtain a work permit.

The JET Programme does not assist non-JET spouses in finding employment or in getting work visas.

If a participant wishes to accompany his or her fiancée, or girl (boy)friend, or common-law wife (husband) to Japan, what kind of visa can he or she get?

Under Japanese law, a fiancée, girl(boy)friend, and common-law wife (husband) are not considered the same as a spouse and cannot obtain a dependent visa. However, they can get a short-term visa that has a maximum length of stay of 90 days.

What is the procedure for departing and re-entering Japan?

If a participant wishes to depart from and then re-enter Japan within the permitted term of his or her visa, the participant needs to get a re-entry permit at the nearest immigration office before departing Japan.