I've seen others do a similar post in the past, so I wanted to bring it back this year for all fellow 2026 alternates. This is a thread to track and share upgrades.
Let us know which country you're an alternate for and later you can share when you're upgraded!
It seems that upgrades happen in 3 waves:
1) About 1–2 weeks after formal replies are due, when some original applicants have declined the position.
2) Shortly after placements are announced, as some people who didn’t get their preferred spots drop out.
3) Around a month into the programme, when some ALTs realize JET/Japan isn’t for them.
Let's keep each other updated and cheer eachother on!
by sleep-deprived-dryad