Green Card Process for Sponsor & Spouse Both Outside US

[returninghome2016]

I am American, and my husband is Canadian (we were married in the US and immediately moved to Canada in case that matters). We are currently living in Canada but are considering moving to the U.S. due to the poor job market in our current location as well as hoping to be closer to my family and friends.

We want to stay together during the process, so we would like to move to the U.S. together once we have enough paperwork done that we can move at the same time.

A few questions:

1. What is the process? Is there a list somewhere of the forms I need to file? The USCIS website seems to not have a very cohesive list of everything I need to file. So, far I understand I need to file I-130, I-864 (from both me as the sponsor and another financial sponsor since I'll be changing jobs in the process), plus supporting documents and fees. What else do I need to file?
2. Do we need to file for a K-3 visa, so my husband can enter the U.S.? Do I apply for that at the same time as filing the I-130 or separately?
3. How long does this process typically take before we can go to the U.S.? I understand there can be complications, etc., but what is the general timeline? It looks like we apply to the Chicago lockbox.
4. How long before my husband can work after we move to the U.S.? What forms? How long does the process take?

Thank you!

 

[newacct]

1. You file I-130, wait for it to be approved, and then wait for them to ask for stuff from you and him like I-864 etc. He will eventually go through the US consulate in Montreal to get an immigrant visa.
2. No. K-3 is obsolete. Your husband will get a CR-1/IR-1 immigrant visa directly instead.
3. I am not sure but I think around a year from the filing of I-130.
4. The moment he enters the US on his immigrant visa, he becomes a permanent resident, and can immediately work and/or travel abroad. His immigrant visa stamped upon entry turns into a temporary green card while he waits for his plastic card.