al_paso,
In my case, the employer cut my salary by 18%. Lawyer told me to file H1B amendment in order to keep legal status or get interim EAD. I don't want to disclose the salary cut especially to the USCIS, so I decided to go for iEAD. Of course USCIS can issue RFE and ask W-2 and such, but I don't have to tell them now. Right? My situation may get better in the near future. This is why I want to switch to EAD while my H1B is still valid for 3years.
ALL,
I have questions regarding H1B/EAD, too. My wife is on H4. If I lose H1B, she will lose H4 automatically. What is her status after I get EAD and start working? My lawyer always tells me that using EAD and H1B status is nothing to do. On the other hand I heard many times that using EAD voids H1B status. Probably there're some conditions not mentioned by anyone.
How about these cases? Can I keep H1B status?
1) H1B -> EAD at the same employer
=> I guess no.
2) continue H1B, and get part-time at another employer on EAD
=> I guess yes.
3) quit H1B company, and get a new job using EAD
=> I guess no.
4) At the same employer, startworking on EAD, leave the US, and come back on H1B visa . (getting EAD doesn't cancel H1B visa stamp on your passport)
=> I guess yes.