I'm in the exact same position. I'm an Engineer who received many job offers before moving to the valley on an H1B. My wife is on an H4 visa. This in effect say

I'm in the exact same position. I'm an Engineer who received many job offers before moving to the valley on an H1B. My wife is on an H4 visa. This in effect says "you are welcome to spend money, but you can't make any!". Of course, there is the patronizing concession that she can study (she is already very qualified...). Unfortuantely she is not a developer, so the chances of her getting granted an H1B are extremely low. Particularly because the quota is reached so early in the year. She is qualified and talented, with international experience. Language is not a deterent as we come from an English speaking Western nation. This situation is not common around the world. This is the third country we have lived in, and the first where we have encountered problems as great as this. We are currently considering leaving. The valley will lose another resource, and many more will follow.