issue here is not about whether you worked illegally (O: or not. i am sure even 99% of students worked while in F1 status. now, when you file 485 i believe you have to submit last 2 years tax return. and if that includes your income i.e. check taken from employment that was unauthorized you might be in problem. but once again if your tax return does not include any of those income. u r safe. not a problem ======================================================= as always what do i know (O: