Process from switching from TN to H1B with non-Can spouse

Hi,

I have a question about my case and I am hoping someone went through something similar and can tell me the best way to deal with this.

I have a TN Visa, my wife has a TD, but she is not a Canadian, so she always has to get her TD at the consulate.

I have obtained an H1B and should have the paperwork to get it this October.

I have been told that I MUST go to a port of entry to get my H1B stamped in and then my wife can go and get her H4 at the consulate.


1. I was wondering if anyone has been through this, if you have another or better way of doing this? (getting the appts right now is a major pain).

2. When I get my H1B, how much time does my wife have to go and get her H4 (she is in the US on TD)?


Thanks

I was under the impression you could get derivative visas simultaneously, have you actually checked with the consulate (which I realise is a PITA if you don't live there, maybe you have a friend who could drop by and ask them rather than sitting waiting on the phone all day)? Or look on-line: http://www.amcits.com/usa_consulates_canada.asp