you can apply h-4 while your hu*****and is still holding h-1b status. there's two procedure for gc app: 1. state and regional labor department's approval 1. ins - 140 485 & 765(labor card). after your hu*****and gets approval from the labor department, you can submit 485 and 765 when your hu*****and is filing 140,485 & 765 with the ins. once you receive 765(labor card), you can start to work in the U.S. legally.