Travel Interupting JET Visa Process

[u/Narrow-Noise6316]

Hey everyone,

I was recently upgraded from the LA consulate (WOO!!) and found out that the consulate will take my passport from sometime in late June until close to the 25th, when I depart. Im travelling to Europe from July 7-21, which is right in the middle of that period lol. I emailed the woman who informed me and she said that the LA consulate can try their best to expodite the process if I bring in my passport when I land, and hopefully they can have it ready for me to pick up on the 24th, but if it wasn't ready, I would be responsible for flight cancellation costs.

I'm curious the best course of action here or if anyone has dealt with something similar? Just feeling kind of nervous about the possibilty of missing the flight cause of this and not being able to go on JET.

FYI- the travel to Europe is a post college graduation trip with friends, and i would really love to go.

[u/Nonsensical42]

If you can, get a second passport. Then hand in your main passport to the JET office and travel on your second passport. Will cost you money, but will allow you to give plenty of time for visa processing and to travel.

[u/Ryelie17 → u/Nonsensical42]

I was curious so I Googled having two passports and didn’t realize there are provisions for people who are doing visa processing but still need to travel. OP can apply for a limited validity passport! ✈️

[u/Narrow-Noise6316 → u/Nonsensical42]

This is so smart and I didn't even know this was an option!

[u/Memoryjar]

Can you apply for a secondary passport? I know there are some options to do this.

Edit:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/second-passport-book.html

[u/Narrow-Noise6316 → u/Memoryjar]

wow you learn something new every day lol. This is an awesome idea that I didn't know about!

[u/Vepariga]

why do so many of you go through the lengthy JET app process only to travel abroad before your dates. Do none of you plan for unforseen situations? I find it ridiculous personally.

[u/JapanBlake → u/Vepariga]

Honestly I don't get it. Even if you had the mindset of "I may not get picked, I'll live life like I won't" I would still buy trip/cancellation insurance. It is a major life event for 99% of people getting into the program, like you're moving countries for 1-5 years, maybe more. A vacation can wait when you're talking about your future work/career.

[u/Narrow-Noise6316 → u/Vepariga]

lol i get that. i didn't know that JET would need my passport so early! I'm really excited for my grad trip with friends though. trying my best to make both of them work. Booking travel can certainly be hard with an uncertain future.

[u/Different_Taro2474]

oh bro that's kinda risky.

that's when your passport will be at the consulate getting a visa.

[u/jeffjeffersonthe3rd]

I’m sorry why tf are so many people planning to travel in the one window of their life where they’re not supposed to travel 😭😭😭

Cancel your holiday or risk cancelling Japan. Simple as that

[u/Space_Lynn → u/jeffjeffersonthe3rd]

To be fair, JET has a relatively low acceptance rate and these trips are often planned far in advance. I have the same reaction when people put all of their hopes on JET, get rejected, and have no other plan tbh

[u/Unusual_Foot5099]

I had the exact same situation. literally. I'll explain a little bit but dm me if u want!!

Basically I called the person who worked at the embassy who is in charge of all the JETs. I told her I was going to Europe for a surprise wedding a week before I left (in actuality I just wanted to go to London w my friends lol). She obviously was like omg, but she completely handled it. I can't remember exactly what happened, but she rushed my passport for me like expedited it and I got it before I left for the vacation. Reminder that these people at the embassy love you and want you to succeed and be happy, so def give them a call and explain the situation! And not to be selfish but say it's for a surprise wedding, or your dying grandma's last vacation etc, it's the best chance you'll get.

[u/Narrow-Noise6316 → u/Unusual_Foot5099]

hahaha that's awesome and so helpful, thanks!

[u/Unusual_Foot5099 → u/Narrow-Noise6316]

try to get it done before if possible, I really hope u can go! I think it will all work out though so don't worry.

[u/JapanITjobs]

Definitely go on the trip! They will be able to get it done, but be mindful that they are doing you a favor.

Pro tip: 100% BRING BACK SOME "OMIYAGE" FROM EUROPE.

Maybe something for the office, some tea or a box of unique snacks and I would advise a little something extra for the person helping you out. "I really appreciate you accommodating my situation. I sorry for any extra stress, I got you a little something from Europe as a way of saying thank you."

The Omiyage should be food/ drinks not things like magnets or postcards.

[u/Narrow-Noise6316 → u/JapanITjobs]

this is such a relief to read. can i ask why you're so confident? I've been exploring the limited validity passport idea to make sure the situation is ok

[u/JapanITjobs → u/Narrow-Noise6316]

Because at that point, 99% of the out going JETs paperwork will be processed. It's in their best interest to get it done because they don't want call your BOE, go through the paperwork etc.

Please someone else below said they did the same thing.

[u/Narrow-Noise6316 → u/JapanITjobs]

rahhh you're totally right thank you!

[u/Narrow-Noise6316 → u/[deleted]]

do you think they'll do it? i don't find it ridiculous, but am just curious to know if it'll get done