Companion or spouse

[Crane 0]

Hi,

I posted this same question in another forum but the answer was not complete. Apologies in advance if someone have read it before, but I definitely need a clearer response.

I am a permanent resident since 2004. I have not yet applied for Citizenship but I understood I can proceed within the last 3 months before completing 5 years with residency (meaning some time near September 2009). That's another thing but I want to make sure you know (whoever will guide me through this) the entire scope.

I got married back in March this year but have done nothing yet related to status.

My wife is from Colombia and she's been working under a H1B Visa for nearly 2 years.

We want to move out of town and the company she works for (the one holding her Visa) is not in position to maintain or keep it.

My questions are:

1. If I go ahead and do the paperwork needed in order to "declare" her as my companion, what are her options in terms of working permit? How long will that process take?

2. If she can't get her work permit soon, what would be the best option for us? As far as I know (may be I am wrong), she will not be able to apply for residence until certain period of time. Or... if she applies now then it will take a very long period of time...??

3. What would be the difference for her between applying now and applying after I become a US citizen? Is there any difference?

Someone said that we should better wait until I become a citizen, but I ask if at least is there a way for her to file as my companion (with no working permit of course) and if so, would that go in detriment of her future request to become a resident after I become a citizen?

Thank you for your help