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Cornell University

International Services

Office of Global Learning

Status Activation for Scholars

  • For Faculty/Staff

Welcome to Cornell!

We're happy you arrived. As a new Cornell employee, one of your first stops should be your host department. Staff in your department will help with your workspace, computer, NetID and email, Cornell ID card, and required hiring procedures.

J-1 Exchange Visitors

If you're a J-1 exchange visitor, you'll need the following information and documents for the required status activation: 

  • Passport
  • DS-2019
  • University identification number and limited access PIN
  • I-94 arrival record created when you entered the U.S.
  • Local address (where you are currently living, not work address or a P.O. box)
  • U.S. phone number
  • Email address

Your passport stamp and I-94 should show J-1 status and "D/S." D/S means duration of status—effective for as long as you maintain legal J-1 status. Take a screenshot of the I-94 or print a copy. This step must be completed before you can proceed with the activation process.

Status Activation Process

The next step is to complete your online required status activation in myStatus (J-1 Scholar Services > J-1 Scholar Arrival):

  • New employees without a NetID should use this log-in method for myStatus, using the temporary ID and PIN emailed to you when your DS-2019 was created.
  • You must also complete the J-1 scholar orientation. 
  • Do not come to our office to complete your status activation.

When should I complete the required status activation? 

  • After you have entered the United States in J-1 exchange visitor status for this Cornell program

  • No later than 30 days after the start date on your DS-2019

What happens if I forget to complete the required status activation?

As a J-1 exchange visitor, you may lose your valid immigration status if you don’t complete the required status activation on time. Email us if you won’t be able to enter the United States and report to our office within the 30-day period. We will change your program start date to prevent your SEVIS record from expiring.

H-1B or O-1 Employees

If you're an H-1B or O-1 employee, you'll need the following information and documents for the required status activation:

  • I-94 arrival record created when you entered the U.S.
  • Worksite (e.g., Ithaca main campus, Cornell Tech, etc.)

If you have traveled internationally since changing to H-1B or O-1 status, your passport stamp and I-94 should show H-1B or O-1 status and an end date that matches the end date on your I-797 approval notice. You may be granted a discretionary 10-day grace period by Customs and Border Protection.  

If Cornell has filed an H-1B/O-1 as a change, extension, or amendment of your status within the U.S. since you last entered the U.S., you have a USCIS-issued I-94 at the bottom of your I-797 approval notice.

Status Activation Process

The next step is to complete your online employment verification in myStatus (University Employment > H-1B/O-1 Employment Eligibility Review).

  • New employees without a NetID should use this log-in method for myStatus, using the temporary ID and PIN emailed to you when your H-1B/O-1 request was started.

When should I complete the required employment verification? 

  • If not in the U.S., complete the verification of your employment after you have entered the U.S. in H-1B/O-1 status.
  • If in the U.S., complete the verification of your employment once your Cornell employment or H-1B status begins.
  • You must also submit this form every time you reenter the U.S. after international travel.

Other Visa Types

If you’re traveling on any other visa type, contact us if your department asks for status verification.

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