I don't know if there is a specific law for Arizona (first time I hear that NIW is state dependent). If so, don't despair because since you are a J1, the five years start on the date you start your waiver job at the VA, even if you apply in a year. And you have to stay on H1 for the first three years anyway.
If you need EAD for your wife/husband, that's different. You may want to start the process asap indeed...
Sorry I can't help more. I am not in Arizona...