This is the normal process:
1. Case is DQ'd by NVC.
2. Case then enters NVC queue for your consulate and waits at NVC.
3. Consulate informs NVC of available interview date for upcoming month.
4. NVC schedules interview when case reaches the front of the queue for that consulate.
5. NVC notifies person of interview date via email.
6. NVC then sends case to consulate.
After the interview is scheduled, it can take several days to several weeks for the consulate to receive the case.
Most I-130/spousal visa filers do not live with his/her spouse outside the US. "Family Reunification" is a generic term. You could call your situation a "Family Relocation" visa. Same visa, same process, same result. Good luck.
I am sure it doesn't cause any issues. Legal Status doesn't expire when the card does. That date is the expiration date of the card. There are no issues for N-400 filing.
Yes. The card is evidence of legal resident status.