Finished our interview and 1 hour later our online status changed to card ordered for production!
Done with this journey!
TIMELINE
10/01/14 - Package (I-130, I-485, I-765, I-131 Concurrent Filing) sent to Chicago Lockbox. (Day 00)
10/02/14 - Package delivered and signed for (Day 01)
10/07/14 - Acceptance confirmation text messages/emails received (Day 06)
10/10/14 - Hardcopy NOA's for all forms received in the mail (Day 09)
10/17/14 - Biometrics letter received in the mail - Appointment October 31 (Day 16)
10/21/14 - Biometrics early walk-in completed (Day 20)
12/15/14 - EAD/AP approved email (Day 75)
12/20/14 - EAD/AP card received (Day 80)
3/31/2015 - Interview scheduled
5//2015 - Card ordered for production 1 hour after interview. (7 Months total process)
It takes 60-90 days for an i131 to get approved, and this is provided you do not run into delays due to RFE's. Thus applying in February for a trip in March may be difficult.
You can apply after your trip.
If you are married to a US citizen, having your J1 status expire should not be an issue. As you are aware, Canadians are not issued a Visa, rather they are given status (J1 in your case) upon entry with a DS2019.