S4 Q&A: My change of status is pending - can I work if I get a job offer?

 Not on CPT: CPT needs an approved F-1 and your school's authorization first. If your current status already lets you work for a specific employer - for example H-1B with that same employer - that permission continues only while you remain in that status, so check with our senior consultant before relying on it. If your previous job has ended, you can't take a new one until F-1 is approved and CPT is authorized.