Going to F1 from H1 esp. when you dont have job ..is not easy. it takes atleast 4-6 mths to get decision on change of status. they will check if you have maintained your status properly or not and if they reject your f1 status request you'll get a notice to leave the county within 30 days. Having Canada as Plan B is always good. Even in canada its really tough to find a job but you can apply for canadian PR. If you finish your studies in canada its easy to get job. By now you already know how diffcult life is in usa with h1 but without job. Even when u get project there are lots of uncertainities regarding h1 status, h1 renewal, gc filing (unless u find permanent job/direct hire)

I have so many friedns who were actually working before but now got laid off or out of the project they are unsure about the h1 renewal because no paystubb. even one friend who filed for GC got rejected (after waiting 2 yrs)showing that his income wasnt enough ( he was on bench for 3 months and rest of the time he worked as business analyst). so my point is apply for canadian PR as plan B without any delay regarding schhol in canada  take your time and think yourself do more research.