This page is for international faculty and staff who have arrived at Cornell in statuses other than J-1 or H-1B. If you are a J-1 exchange visitor, use the Maintain and Extend J-1 Status page. If you are an H-1B employee, visit the Maintain an Extend H-1B Status page.
Welcome aboard! International Services is here to help. Please explore our website for information about travel, taxes, and more.
Maintain Your Status
Know your immigration documents.
O-1, TN, and E-3 employees have different immigration documents. Read about the ones relevant to you in the overview below.
- O-1: I-94, I-129, and I-797
- TN: I-94*
- E-3: I-94 and ETA-9035/LCA*
*If you file a petition for a change or extension of your status within the U.S., you also have an I-129 and I-797. Most TN and E-3 visa holders do not have these documents.
Immigration Document Overview
- 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.
- 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. Your original LCA is sent to you or your department when it is certified.
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.
E-3 visa holders: Notify us if you’re considering a change in your worksite. You can only work at worksites listed on your LCA. You are required to reach out to International Services before you make a change to a new 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.
O-1 and E-3: 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 status. You must work with your hiring department or unit to initiate the extension request.
If you are sponsored by an institution other than Cornell, contact your sponsor to discuss an extension. Visit Transfer or Leave for useful advice if your time at Cornell is ending.
O-1
Extensions are for no more than one year at a time, but there is no limit to the number of possible one-year extensions. Each O-1 application requires a reassessment of your extraordinary contribution to your academic field.
If you plan to apply for an extension, you need to work closely with your hiring department or unit and International Services. The process is initiated by your department. We recommend starting your extension application exactly six months in advance of your current program end date. Applications can’t be submitted sooner, according to federal regulations.
To learn more about the O-1 process, you can request a consultation with International Services in myStatus (under University Employment).
TN
Your TN status can be renewed in increments of up to three years. We recommend leaving the United States and making a new entry, rather than extending your status from within the country.
The process is similar to when you first applied. Visit the TN section of our Visa Basics page to review the process.
E-3
An E-3 visa may be renewed in increments of up to two years. If you plan to apply for an extension, you need to work closely with your hiring department or unit and International Services. The process is initiated by your department.
We recommend starting your extension application exactly six months in advance of your current program end date. Applications can’t be submitted sooner, according to federal regulations.
We recommend applying for E-3 status at a U.S. consulate or embassy, similar to when you first applied. Visit the E-3 section of our Visa Basics page to review the process.
