The pending I-485 grants you a period of authorized stay in the U.S. If you have an approved I-140 and a pending I-485 application, you are generally allowed to drop F-1 status and can remain in the U.S. as an “AOS applicant”.
However, we recommend that you wait until after you've received your green card-based EAD card and have confirmation of your start date of work from your Client Services Specialist before contacting your DSO to drop your F-1 status.
This is the best practice, in case there are unforeseen delays with your start date.
If you need to drop F-1 status sooner than the best practice recommendation, you are free to contact your DSO to drop F-1 status any time after your I-140 is approved and I-485 is receipted (even before your start date is confirmed). You can let your DSO know that you want to drop your F-1 status because you are an AOS applicant and plan to work full-time.
Please reach out to your attorney if you have follow up questions about dropping F-1 status.
Can I re-apply for F-1 status while my GC is pending?
No, you should not do this because it could cause complications to the pending green card application. Please reach out to your attorney if you have follow up questions.
If you want to go back to school, you should generally complete your 12+ month work commitment with your sponsor before going back to school as a green card holder.
Can I continue to study while I work in my new job?
See this article for more information.