Dennis Tristani
Immigration AttorneyI would maintain your H-1B status until you receive your EAD work permit. Once you have this in hand, there are no restrictions as to where you can work - it is an open work permit and you can also be self-employed. It is important to note that you will no longer be in H-1B status once you leave your current job and use your I-526 based EAD card and be in the U.S. in a period of authorized stay, often termed "I-485 pending status".