diff --git a/gerrit-gwtui/src/main/java/com/google/gerrit/client/change/ChangeScreen.java b/gerrit-gwtui/src/main/java/com/google/gerrit/client/change/ChangeScreen.java
index 039948d678..c3feb9b1ee 100644
--- a/gerrit-gwtui/src/main/java/com/google/gerrit/client/change/ChangeScreen.java
+++ b/gerrit-gwtui/src/main/java/com/google/gerrit/client/change/ChangeScreen.java
@@ -1232,7 +1232,7 @@ public class ChangeScreen extends Screen {
   }
 
   private void renderSubmitType(Change.Status status, boolean canSubmit, SubmitType submitType) {
-    if (canSubmit && status == Change.Status.NEW) {
+    if (canSubmit && status == Change.Status.NEW && !changeInfo.isWorkInProgress()) {
       statusText.setInnerText(
           changeInfo.mergeable() ? Util.C.readyToSubmit() : Util.C.mergeConflict());
     }