Returning International Student Information

If you have completed at least one semester of undergraduate study at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee and have then been away from the school for at least one fall or spring semester, you are considered a returning student. Returning to Berklee is easy. You do not need to reapply for admission, and you may return at any time.

How to Return to Berklee College of Music

International students returning to the college must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Inform Berklee of your intent to return.

Complete the Returning Student Form online to inform Berklee of your intent to return at least six weeks before the semester in which you intend to return begins.

Step 2: Register for classes.

The Office of the Registrar will contact you with access to course registration after they receive your Returning Student Form. View course registration information. ISS cannot issue a new I-20 until you have registered for at least one class. 

Step 3: Get your I-20 and F-1 visa.

Follow the instructions below to request a new I-20 from ISS.

  1. Request a new I-20 from Berklee: Download the International Student I-20 Request Packet. Follow the instructions on the first page to submit the request form and other required documents via email to iss@berklee.edu. Your new I-20 will be issued after International Student Services (ISS) receives and approves all submitted I-20 request documents and you are registered for at least one class.

  2. Receive your new I-20: ISS will email you when your I-20 is ready. You can create a shipping label to have your I-20 mailed to you anywhere in the world at your expense.

  3. Pay the SEVIS fee online: After you receive your new I-20, follow the instructions provided on the cover sheet to pay the $350 SEVIS (I-901) fee. Make sure you keep a copy of your fee payment receipt. The SEVIS fee is required each time a student is issued a new SEVIS ID number. 

  4. Check the F-1 visa in your passport: If the F-1 visa in your passport has expired, you must apply for a new one from your local U.S. embassy or consulate. If the F-1 visa in your passpor is valid, you may use it to enter the U.S. with your new I-20 (even if your F-1 visa shows a different school name or SEVIS ID number). Read information about applying for a new F-1 visa (login required).

Step 4: Enter the U.S. and complete the check-in process at Berklee.

Note: You may not enter the U.S. before the "Earliest Admission Date" printed on your I-20. 

Show your new, original I-20 document to the immigration official when you enter the U.S., and check the stamp in your passport to verify that you have been admitted in F-1 status.

You must physically check-in on campus by the end of Berklee's published check-in period.  

View the International Student Check–In Requirements.

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How to Return to Boston Conservatory at Berklee

International students returning to the Conservatory must complete the following steps:

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Questions About the I-20 Process

Answers to many common questions regarding I-20s, F-1 status, travel, and more can be found on the International Student Services page. You can also email ISS at iss@berklee.edu.

Questions About Registering for Classes, Check-In, and Deadlines

Contact the Office of the Registrar for all other questions about the returning student process at registrar@berklee.edu. View important dates and deadlines for College and Conservatory students.

Additional information for students returning to Berklee College of Music is published on the Office of the Registrar's page.