metta, hittal, bbmb: thank you for your reply. So, I decided to do h1b isntead of J1.
Still I have another question: My opt starts from May 2013 and ends in May 2014. So, when is the appropriate time for filing?
Since this is a university related job, I think h1b quota will not apply.
Is it good to wait like 6 months before expiration or should I ask my department to start the process right now?