Returning International Student Information

Students who were last enrolled in fall 2020 or after: Go directly to my.berklee.edu (login required). Your assigned registration time will be available on your registration profile. You can register at your assigned registration time and do not need to fill out the Returning Student Intent Form below.

Students who were last enrolled in summer 2020 or before: Complete the Returning Student Intent Form at least six weeks before the semester in which you intend to return begins.

If you have any questions regarding re-entrance, please contact registrar@berklee.edu.

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

1. Request a new I-20. Download the International Student I-20 Request Packet below:

   2022-2023 I-20 Request Packet (452.68 KB)

   • Follow the instructions and checklist on page 1, and submit your completed packet and supporting documents via the I-20 Request Packet Submission Form.

2. Receive your new I-20. Once your I-20 request has been approved, ISS will scan and email your new, signed I-20 to your Berklee email address. You must print out the I-20, sign it, and use the physical copy to enter the U.S. (a digital copy on your phone or other device is not acceptable for travel purposes).

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 passport 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.

Note: If you are returning to the U.S. with a new I-20 that has a new SEVIS ID and you have only one semester of study remaining (12 or fewer required credits) you will not be eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT).

Required credits are credits counted towards the graduation requirements of the program. 

The Office of the Registrar will contact you with access to course registration after they receive your Returning Student Form. View course registration information.

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

Remember to print out your I-20 and sign it before departing for the U.S. You must show the signed, physical printout to the immigration official when you enter the U.S. (a digital copy on your phone or other device is not acceptable for travel purposes). 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 Berklee check–in requirements.

Email iss@berklee.edu and registrar@berklee.edu to inform us of your intent to return at least six weeks before the semester in which you intend to return begins.

1. Request a new I-20. Download the International Student I-20 Request Packet below.

   • 2022-2023 I-20 Request Packet (452.68 KB)

   • Follow the instructions and checklist on page 1, and submit your completed packet and supporting documents via the I-20 Request Packet Submission Form.

2. Receive your new I-20. Once your I-20 request has been approved, ISS will scan and email your new, signed I-20 to your Berklee email address. You must print out the I-20, sign it, and use the physical copy to enter the U.S. (a digital copy on your phone or other device is not acceptable for travel purposes).

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 passport 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.

The Office of the Registrar will contact you with access to course registration after they review your email with your intent to return. View course registration information (login required).

Remember to print out your I-20 and sign it before departing for the U.S. You must show the signed physical printout to the immigration official when you enter the U.S. (a digital copy on your phone or other device is not acceptable for travel purposes). Check the stamp in your passport to verify that you have been admitted in F-1 status.

You must complete all check-in requirements by 5:00 p.m. on the last day of the published check-in period.  

View the Boston Conservatory at Berklee check–in requirements (login required).

Visit the ISS Travel, I-20, and F-1 Visa During COVID-19 page for more information about travel, immigration documents, procedures, and resources.

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.

The F-1 visa page in your passport remains valid until the expiration date printed on the visa. Being outside of the U.S. does not affect the validity of the visa. 

If your F-1 visa was canceled or revoked (in most cases, it is physically crossed or stamped by a Customs Border and Protection officer at the airport), you will need to reapply for a new F-1 visa.