How to Return to Berklee College of Music
If you have completed at least one semester of undergraduate study at Berklee College of Music and your most recent semester was fall 2020 or earlier, you are considered a returning student. Returning to the college is easy; you do not need to reapply for admission, and you may return at any time.
To begin the process, fill out the Returning Student Intent Form. Please complete this form as soon as possible in order to receive a registration time before registration begins on June 14. If you have any questions, contact registrar@berklee.edu.
Students on medical leave: If you would like to return after a medical withdrawal, you can find key dates and more information here.
Next Steps and More Information
After you complete the Returning Student Intent Form, find out what you can expect.
Fall 2021 Registration
Registration opens on June 14 and takes place online at my.berklee.edu. After you complete the Returning Student Intent Form, you will be assigned an online registration time.
Learn more about registration.
You must use your Berklee OnePass to log in to my.berklee.edu. If you do not currently have a Berklee OnePass account, your account will be reactivated prior to the beginning of registration. If you fill out the form after the registration period has started, your Berklee OnePass credentials will be reactivated one–two weeks later. If you have never logged in to my.berklee.edu, contact registrar@berklee.edu.
Information for International Returning Students
Fall 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:
- you did not enroll at Berklee in the semester immediately prior to the semester you plan to return, and you did not have ISS authorization on your I-20 for medical leave or a vacation semester;
- your I-20 (SEVIS record) was transferred to another school in the U.S.;
- your I-20 (SEVIS record) was terminated; or
- you were outside the U.S. and enrolled as a returning student in spring 2021.
How to Get Ready to Return to Berklee for Fall 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.
- Request a new I-20 from ISS (if needed).
After you're registered for classes, download and complete 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. The I-20 will be sent to your @berklee.edu email account with instructions about using a scanned and printed I-20 for your travel and visa application.
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.
- 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. 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.
*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 enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date. The earliest date you can enter the U.S. is printed on page 1 your new I-20. You must physically check in on campus by Berklee's published check-in deadline.
Before you can complete online check in, you must submit proof to ISS that you entered the U.S. in F-1 status and submit a F-1 Acknowledgement of Regulations form. 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.
Catalog Year Policy
The catalog year policy states that students who leave and return to Berklee College of Music after four or more years will automatically be assigned to the catalog of the most recent fall semester. Students may not change their catalog year assignment to an earlier catalog. However, students are encouraged to meet with the chair of their major to discuss the applicability of past course work to their existing catalog assignment.
Immunizations
Immunizations must be up-to-date before you can register for classes or check-in. Any outstanding immunization requirements you may have will be listed on the Registration and Check-In Profile screen on my.berklee.edu. Learn more about how to resolve your restrictions.
Online Check-In
Online check-in for the fall 2021 semester is in September. To enroll for the semester, all students must log in to my.berklee.edu and select the "Semester Check-In" link in the Check-In section. Before you can complete the check-in process, all check-in restrictions must be cleared.
If you are a returning international student, you must also verify your immigration information. Please see International Student Check-In Requirements for more information.
Learn more about check-in and how to clear your restrictions.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
