Hello everyone, and thank you in advance to anyone who replies or provides information. Any help is greatly appreciated!
I’m currently applying to ISI through GoGoNihon. I’m 27 years old, turning 28 this October, and I will be graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Game Art this May. My goal is to build a career in Japan, even if it’s outside my field, as I plan to stay long-term after completing Japanese language school.
However, I do have some concerns about possible rejection. I started university in 2021 and earned my associate degree in 2023. I had already completed some classes toward my bachelor’s degree but paused my studies due to uncertainty about moving. I resumed in September 2025. During that break, I focused on improving my art portfolio and gaining recognition online by creating and sharing free art assets I made. I’ve explained this situation in my application, but I also have another gap in my education/work history.
After graduating high school in 2016, I planned to attend college. I found one, but it required monthly tuition payments that I couldn’t afford at the time. It took me a while to find a more suitable school. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, which made it even harder to find colleges that fit my needs. In 2021, I finally enrolled in an online program, since most schools had moved online anyway at that time.
From 2018 onward, I was not employed; I supported myself with help from my family (I have funds for this japanese school, I am also getting sponsored by my sister). I do have a **Certificate of Job Readiness** from a program I completed in New York in December 2017. My main concern now is that immigration may question this gap period.
**Note : I also have been self studying using various methods like Anki, websites, Social Platforms/Games since the pandemic and been to Japan once last year for a month.**
What can I do to best explain this gap in my application?
Comments
by Sir_Potato2000 on Feb 28, 2026
Hi, I'm a 3D artist/environment artist in gamedev. Next year I plan to study at a language school. I will say that to get a work visa you need a bachelor's degree. To find a job in Japan in this field, you must have 2-3 years of experience in game development and a strong portfolio. I now have 2 years and 6 months, next year it will be more than 3. Without experience and a portfolio, you won’t be hired anywhere, unless you were a graduate of a Japanese university.
For the best chances, I recommend studying in either Tokyo or Osaka. In other cities, there are almost no game development studios or very few vacancies. I also recommend checking out reviews from Japanese people on Glassdoor about Japanese game development studios, some of them have a lot of crunches, some of them have work-life balance.
by DeviousJunez on Feb 28, 2026
I don't aim for searching for a job in my industry in Japan strictly, If i can get a job that requires the person to have a bachelors degree in something that would be great, if I get something in my profession excellent! but my question in this post are concerns over obtaining COE/being accepted by the school. in the application itself, it wants me to explain any gaps between work or education. I just want advice on what i should do as explained above about my gap history.
by ponpiriri on Mar 1, 2026
The school will give you advice.
by DesperateLet2613 on Feb 28, 2026
I am in a similar situation. Multiple gaps on my resume and I have extended my collage. I am working with an agency for language school. I have sent some explaining about covid lockdown for the gaps. My CoE has not been resulted yet but according to my agency it is approved most of the time. According to them only rejection they have had was a mid 40 y.o. man. Might be a marketing trick but I will find out my result in may. But according to what I have been reading online, I am positive.
And also dont trust chatgpt too much about these things. It is either too pessimistic or sugarcoating everything.
by DeviousJunez on Feb 28, 2026
I see, so I should just explain my gap then the same way I did here? I'm also going to send the same question to my agency before my application gets sent.
by DesperateLet2613 on Feb 28, 2026
Definitely ask to your agency. They will give better answers. Maybe they will tell you to not explain some of them if it is not even necessary or maybe give them other excuses etc. I am not a pro about the issue so I cant comment but I wouldnt act alone if I were you.
And again, my process is also ongoing so idk how it will turn out.
by DeviousJunez on Feb 28, 2026
Yeah I also have classes I took in another college that I wanted to take to improve my credits in 2018 Winter right after receiving Job Readiness certificate in 2017
by Yorset on Mar 22, 2026
From my opinion, I am applying directly with ISI. I have been in touch with a couple of questions about the applications and all that. I already submitted my papers and paid the initial "application" fee. I have some job gaps for 1-2 years but so far nobody told me anything about it, they told me everything seems to be ok and will just have to wait until May-June which is when they send all applications for those starting in October. So, I didn't even mention anything about the gap in between and just provided the data/information I had, that's it.
by DeviousJunez on Mar 23, 2026
Interesting, your applying for october too? I added information about my gaps. It may not be a school thing but maybe something for immigration? Not sure. But since i did the extra work im hoping i don't have to revise anything since they said it might be back and fourth on asking to revise certain parts of my application. Kind of scared though.
by Yorset on Mar 23, 2026
I know, these applications tend to be a pain in the ass but I mean, the school didn't tell me anything about it, so hopefully immigration won't either. As many say, the only thing they care about is that you have the money (and are not a criminal). So, hopefully nothing happens on my end nor yours. Yes, I am applying for October term in Kyoto. At this point, I am just waiting for the school to send the application and get back to me with the COE (which whill happen after mid year).
by DeviousJunez on Mar 24, 2026
Aw shucks, I'm applying for Tokyo. Was hoping you'd be near so if both of us get put in maybe even meet and be friends. But yeah, I'm also just waiting for a reply back on anything. The Agency at least got back to me that they will start looking at applications earlier then expected due to the rising amount of applicants. So I might have a chance at hearing back from my agency this week or next.
by NicGow on Feb 28, 2026
So I will assume ISI will do the same as my language school, in that they will vet the application and ask you to amend it prior to it being submitted.
I filled out thr application and had to amend it a few times as they wanted specifics or slight changes - the school should help guide you on this.
My understanding is they submit all application for X start date together, so pending your planned date you have plenty of time to send it to them and then alter if they deem it necessary.
by DeviousJunez on Feb 28, 2026
I see, my planned start date is the October intake. I know deadlines for that intake is usually March to February if I remember correctly. Do they still ask to revise even if it is outside deadline?
by NicGow on Mar 1, 2026
What part of the process are you in currently? Sounds like you haven't even started talking to the school directly yet - they will advise you on cut-off dates etc. October start will be around April cutoff, but again this is all info that the school will provide you once you actually make contact.
by DeviousJunez on Mar 2, 2026
Still filling out the application with the agency. Have not talked to the school directly yet
by NicGow on Mar 2, 2026
Get that done and start speaking to the school, they'll give the most up-to-date advice on how to present your application. Remember they want you to attend school so they get paid, so they will help you. You need to get the ball rolling.
by DeviousJunez on Mar 2, 2026
I'm just waiting for my sponsors Bank statement for the month of February and I'll be able to submit after. I just had concerns over this certain section in the application. I do have something else to ask. The amount of hours needed to give to them, does it have to be specific? Like I don't remember how long I have been around natives on a certain game talking, listening, etc.
by NicGow on Mar 2, 2026
Just add as much detail as you can for all sections and let them guide you on polishing it if required
by DeviousJunez on Mar 2, 2026
Got it, just was worried. Thank you!
by scotch_and_honey on Feb 28, 2026
They literally will not care. You are fine. It's just language school. As long as you have money and aren't a criminal you can come study
by DeviousJunez on Feb 28, 2026
I also have heard this but since immigration is tighting due to different prime ministers, I am still worried that things are changing.
by nynoraneko on Mar 3, 2026
Not us doing the same exact thing at the same exact time. Its been a pain!
