Should I open a letter of recommendation to upload to the portal?

No. Applicants should provide contact information for their reference writers in the online portal. The portal will send an email to the reference writer which will allow the reference writers to securely log in and provide confidential letters of recommendation. At no time should any applicant view the letters of recommendation themself. If your reference writer experiences technical difficulties with the portal, they should contact the technical support in the online portal or email the JET Program Office directly.