Japan language school/Immigration Concerns.

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?