A negative pattern is formed by applying a resist composition onto a substrate, baking, exposing to high-energy radiation, baking (PEB), and developing the exposed resist film in an organic solvent developer to selectively dissolve the unexposed region of resist film. The resist composition comprising a hydrogenated ROMP polymer comprising recurring units having an acid labile group-protected carboxyl group and recurring units having a lactone structure displays a high dissolution contrast in organic solvent development, and exhibits high dry etch resistance even when the acid labile group is deprotected through exposure and PEB.