Hi Everybody,
I have been reading through various immigration websites, and found that I have to maintain my F-1 status throughout my TPS period if I want to be in F-1 status after the TPS expires.
The keyword here is "you have to maintain F1 status even if you have TPS". To maintain a F1 status, you have to be a full time student, and cannot work off-campus.

It means that you are only allowed to work 20 hours on-campus (same F1 student visa rule even if you have a TPS). Note, you can use your TPS EAD for working. However, as soon as you use your TPS EAD for working, your F-1 status will be violated and revoked. The only way to work off-campus (upto 40 hours) while maintaining F1 status is to apply for a Severe Economic Hardship work authorization from school. Now, I do not see any use of TPS for a F1 student.

Please correct me if I did not get my information right.
Source: http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers/can-a-f1-student-apply-for-tps-ead---2248947.html

One of the attorney's comment from the above weblink offer the answer: "F1 status does not allow employment unless authorized, which will become such when you have EAD via TPS".

http://enepalese.com/2015/07/30706.html

Bandita Sharma Dahal has well explained about working with TPS EAD for students.

Sanjeev boro,

You are completely wrong on this. Students with TPS EAD can absolutely work off campus and as many hours they want. They just need to maintain the F-1 status by doing the coursework/hours to maintain their status. As happy-lotus said F-1 students are not allowed to work unless authorized. Lets say F-1 student gets married and get the work permit thru marriage with his case still pending. Are you saying he cant work? ..... That's a ludacris statement.

Bottomline: F-1 can work without any issue in TPS ead.

Gwaach

I agree with GwaachKeta

As long as you maintain your F1 Status, you can work as much as you want with your TPS-EAD. It is all about you and your international service at your school. As long as they do not terminated your SEVIS you are good to go.

When F1 student is on OPT, he/she does not take any classes, but still in F1 Status. If your school is ready to hold your SEVIS until your TPS expires, you might be able to come back to your status after TPS (But make sure you talk to your school before doing anything).

I agree with GwaachKeta

As long as you maintain your F1 Status, you can work as much as you want with your TPS-EAD. It is all about you and your international service at your school. As long as they do not terminated your SEVIS you are good to go.

When F1 student is on OPT, he/she does not take any classes, but still in F1 Status. If your school is ready to hold your SEVIS until your TPS expires, you might be able to come back to your status after TPS (But make sure you talk to your school before doing anything).

If F-1 is maintaining student status, I guess you don't need to tell your DSO. As long as you pay your dues and take class load, who knows what you are doing.

If someone wants to reduce course load and work off-campus, then they should consult with DSO about "Why less course work ?".