Can I work for my employer before the OPT start date?

USA F1, F2 Visas - CPT - OPT
1

I applied OPT on March 2014 and set the OPT start date as July 1st to give me more time to look for a job. Luckily, near the end of March, I received a job offer and started to work on April as CPT.

On May 13rd, I graduated and stopped working since the CPT expired. Then I need to wait until July 1st to start working again.

However, my employer can’t wait and wants me to start on June 15th. Between June 15th to June 30, I don’t clock in and out and they will hold my salary.

I’d like to know if it is safe to do so. Thank you!

2

It is violation of labor and immigration laws to do anything without proper status documentation. If you get a site visit from INS, then you would be in big trouble, It is not advisable to work without proper documents in hand. I would suggest, you speak to an immigration attorney before you do so. Never break law !