This page is for H-1B employees who have arrived at Cornell and completed the mandatory status activation.
Welcome aboard! International Services is here to help. Please explore our website for information about travel, taxes, and more.
On this page: Find the key things you need to do to maintain your legal status now that you’re working at Cornell. Then learn how to extend your H-1B status if you’d like to stay in your Cornell position beyond your current end date.
Maintain Your H1-B Status
Know your immigration documents.
- Form I-94: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues you an I-94 when you enter or reenter the U.S. If you filed for a change or extension of your status within the U.S., you will have a USCIS-issued I-94 at the bottom of your approval notice. Your I-94 reflects the date and class of admission and the expiration date of your authorized period of stay. You can only stay in the U.S. if you have a valid I-94. Always check it for accuracy each time you return to the U.S. and upload a copy of it to myStatus (University Employment à H-1B/O-1 Employment Eligibility Review).
- Form I-129: This form is filed by International Services with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. You can find a copy of your I-129 in your myStatus portal (documents icon at the top right).
- I-797 approval notice: This document shows you are the beneficiary of Cornell’s I-129 petition and the period of validity. You can find a copy of your approval notice in your myStatus portal.
- ETA-9035/LCA: The ETA-9035 labor condition application (LCA) is filed by International Services with the U.S. Department of Labor. The LCA specifies your dates of employment, minimum annual salary, job title, and employment address. You can find a copy of your LCA in your myStatus portal.
Follow the policies and laws.
Comply with Cornell’s academic and conduct polices and all U.S. federal and state laws.
Notify us if there are any changes in your employment.
Are you thinking about a new job title, hours, or duties? You and your hiring department must report any proposed changes in your employment conditions to International Services well in advance. Contact us.
Notify us if you’re considering a change in your worksite.
Follow the rules about outside employment.
Work only for Cornell in the position for which you received your visa status. Your status is specific to your employer and job. You can’t work for another employer unless they sponsor you.
Notify USCIS if you change your address.
Notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you change your address. Within 10 days of your move, use the online form to report your new address. This timeframe is a legal requirement.
Update your passport.
Keep your passport valid for at least six months past the expiration date of your status. When you travel outside of the United States, make sure you have the required travel documents before leaving.
Notify us if your Cornell employment ends early.
Your status is linked to your continuing employment. Notify us in the general services section of myStatus if your Cornell employment ends before the end date on your petition.
If your Cornell employment is ending, visit Transfer or Leave for vital information.
Extend Your Status
Is the end of your time at Cornell approaching? If you would like to continue to work in your current position beyond the program end date listed on your I-94, you may be eligible to extend your H-1B status.
You must work with your hiring department or unit to initiate the extension request. Applications for H-1B extensions have the same application requirements as new H-1B petitions. Follow the Visa Basics process steps as you would for a new application.
We recommend starting your H-1B extension application exactly six months in advance of your current program end date. Applications can’t be submitted sooner, according to federal regulations.
Extension Eligibility
You are eligible for a total of six years of H-1B status. If a permanent residency petition has been filed on your behalf before the end of your fifth year of H-1B status, you may be eligible for extensions beyond the six-year limit. Learn more about Cornell-sponsored permanent residency options.
If you’re approaching your six-year limit and a permanent residency petition hasn’t been filed on your behalf, contact us to discuss options.
While Your Extension Case is Pending
After International Services receives your H-1B extension receipt notice from USCIS, Cornell may be able to employ you for up to 240 days while your extension case is pending.
You are allowed to travel while your case is pending if your current H-1B approval notice and visa are valid when you reenter the United States.
