Once you got H-1 approved, you are H1.
You don't have to be nerveous, normally the grace period(gap time between two H visa) is gray area, I knew friends got their new H1 after being out of work for 1-3 months. (I mean you have to show good faith, cant be out of work for too long)
I would say you have enough time to go with your wife's h4.
The thing i don't understand is why you not concentrate on getting them to pay you, once you get this, there won't be any problem. And you did work for them at that period, right? And they are not Papa and Mama shop either.
You don't have to be nerveous, normally the grace period(gap time between two H visa) is gray area, I knew friends got their new H1 after being out of work for 1-3 months. (I mean you have to show good faith, cant be out of work for too long)
I would say you have enough time to go with your wife's h4.
The thing i don't understand is why you not concentrate on getting them to pay you, once you get this, there won't be any problem. And you did work for them at that period, right? And they are not Papa and Mama shop either.