You really shouldn't wait this long

One of you should go there 3 years ago, that way you would have the citizenship now even you don't have job during the 3 years. And of course, the other one still works in USA during the 3 years to make money. If you have done that, you would have CA citizen now and can come back to USA and work on TN visa and no need to worry about the F#$% H-1 and GC any more.

But you seem don't have much choice now, I understand that and feel sorry.