I assume your Canadian husband is in the US. If so, then you don't seem to have researched enough information on immigration procedures and protocols; otherwise you would have known that you guys should have sent all the applicantions altogether in once, like I-130 (Petition for your husband to have visa number), I-485 (for him to have green card (immigrant visa), I-765 (for him to work) and I-131 (if he would prefer to travel outside the US while his case is being processed).
And, don't worry about the processing time that is indicated on your notice. It NEVER takes that long as it is stated. It used to be such many years ago but not anymore. Now-a-days green card applications are taking only 4-6 months at most to get adjudicated.
Immediate relatives of US citizens (like your husband) are allowed to file all these applications altogether. So, you made a big mistake if you have filed only I-130 for him so far. Now it will take a long time for him to adjust his status. Plus, he cannot get Work Permit either because he must have to have a pending I-485 in order to ask for work permit. Based upon a pending I-130 alone, he cannot obtain Work permit.
Thus, you should file ALL the required forms/applications at Chicago Box office immediately except new/another I-130. As for I-130, then you should just attach the receipt notice that you received from USCIS for your I-130 along with the copy of the form I-130 that you already filed. You will be fine.
And yes, you do need to have a certain level of Household income to sponsor him. But if you don't then finding a co-sponsor would do the trick.
However, if he is living outside the US then you did the right thing-filing of I-130 first. Yet still, it won't take that long. Once I-130 gets approved, you guys would need to deal with US Embassy/Consulate in Canada, and then I-485 and I-765 would be out of question/picture because these applications are filed by aliens who are in the US than in outside.
Good luck.
