Spring 2021 Returning Students
You must enter the U.S. in F-1 student status in order to resume your studies at Berklee. You will need a valid I-20, a valid F-1 visa*, and a valid passport.
How to Determine If You Need a New I-20
You will need a new I-20 if:
Get Ready to Return to Berklee for Spring 2021
- Inform the Registrar’s Office, and register for classes.
First, complete the Returning Student Intent form. The Registrar’s Office will send you an email with instructions for registering for classes.
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Request a new I-20 from ISS (if needed).
After you're registered for classes, download and complete the I-20 request packet. Click here to download the I-20 request packet.
Next, email your complete I-20 request packet and supporting documents to iss@berklee.edu. It will take no more than two weeks for ISS to issue your new I-20, and ISS will email you when your I-20 is ready to be shipped/picked up.
Important: Please submit your documentation to ISS as early as possible to ensure that your I-20 arrives in time to apply for a student visa (if needed) and enter the U.S. before the published check-in deadline.
Finally, submit a prepaid shipping label to have the new I-20 shipped to you. ISS will notify you when your I-20 is shipped.
- Pay the I-901 fee (SEVIS fee).
Your new I-20 will include a cover sheet with instructions for paying the SEVIS fee (a student must pay the SEVIS fee any time they are issued a new SEVIS record/SEVIS ID number). You must pay the fee before you enter the U.S., and don’t forget to print your payment receipt for your records.
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Apply for a new F-1 visa (if needed).*
You need to apply for a new F-1 visa if you will enter the U.S. after the expiration date shown on the F-1 visa in your passport. Detailed information about the F-1 visa application process is on the Travel, I-20 Signature, and F-1 Visa page (login required).
*Canadian and Bermudian passport holders do not need a valid F-1 visa in their passport. They may enter the U.S. by showing a valid I-20, valid passport, and proof of I-901 fee payment.
Check-In
You may not enter the U.S. before the earliest admission date listed on page 1 of your I-20. You must physically check in on campus by Berklee's published check-in deadline.
Before you can check in online, you must submit proof to ISS that you entered the U.S. in F-1 status. Follow the instructions on the Entering and Returning International Student Check-In Requirements page.
Questions?
For questions about F-1 status or the I-20 request process: Contact International Student Services at iss@berklee.edu, or call +1 617-747-6600 (read new information about office hours while ISS is operating remotely).
For all other questions: contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@berklee.edu.
