And it could cause problems with obtaining TN status -- perhaps that is what they were really saying and somehow you mixed that up with H1B, because TN is also a work-authorized status that has similar educational requirements as H1B.
He has a bigger obstacle to getting a TN - he's only a Canadian permanent resident, not a citizen.
A filed I-130 may also hurt his chances of renewing his F-1 visa, if he ever needs to do so. If the rules didn't change, he can enter Canada for upto 30 days and come back with his old I-94 without getting a new visa, but he needs to check on regulations with his International Student Center.Thanks Jack. I think you are right. Probably I misunderstood. I shall proceed with the filing. Regarding reentry, he has single entry F-1 visa. So this is not an issue.
Either you misheard something, or they are telling you nonsense. Applying for the I-130 would have no effect on his ability to get an H1B, because the H1B directly allows immigrant intent.
However, the I-130 could hurt his chances to use the F-1 to reenter the US. And it could cause problems with obtaining TN status -- perhaps that is what they were really saying and somehow you mixed that up with H1B, because TN is also a work-authorized status that has similar educational requirements as H1B.
I know. My expectation, which I perhaps should have explicitly written in order to stave off nitpicking attacks, is that he'll probably get Canadian citizenship before the I-130 priority date becomes current.