A Ph.D candidate need some suggestions on NIW

[flychicken]

I am a Ph.D candidate(with M.S. degree) right now and plan to graduate on Dec. If I apply NIW recently, say May (the fastest I can get), should I stay in the school until my case result is given, or I can also work as Postdoc or something in the same area in same(or other) university even before the case is approved. Thanks.
I am also concerning about if after I file I-140 application (before 485), my wife can or can not apply for visa like F-1.

 

[dboca]

The time of application does not matter for NIW. You can work anywhere and your application stilll survives, provided that you maintain legal status. You should qualify for NIW though.

Your wife can safely apply for F1 as soon as you do not file I-485.