My current position on non-profit H1B visa will end at the end of August. I've got some interviews and are waiting for the results. It seems in Universities it takes at least one month to prepare materials (signature, wage determination, LCA posting, etc). There will probably be some gap even if I get an offer next week. My wife is on H4 visa now. I'm wondering should my wife change the visa to F1 and I change to F2 to fill the gap? Is it legal to stay in US and for my wife to take courses when the applications are pending? But in this case, I need wait until new H1 get approved to start to work. If just transfer, I can start to work once the new employer has ted H1B application. I have asked my employer to put me on "leave without pay", not sure if they are willing do it; will it help fill the gap? Thank you very much.