I just received my EAD card based on my pending I-485 (my wife's I-140 approved). I am currently on F1 working on-campus as research assistant.
From this forum, I learned two opinions: one is that once I get my EAD, I become AOS so I must update my employer with my EAD card. Otherwise I am working illegally on F1 basis while I am actually AOS.
The other opinion is that so long as I don't use my EAD, I am still on F1 status. Therefore my F1-based on-campus employment is still valid. In this opinion, I'd better not to use my EAD because I can keep my F1 status longer.
Which opinion is correct? For me this seems to be legal/illegal issue. Please help.
BTW, I applied for EAD because I have started looking for jobs. If I find a job, I have to use my EAD card b/c my OPT was denied by USCIS based on my pending I-485.