did not enter I-130 and I-485 together. is it too late?

[binty]

I am a Canadian married to a US citizen, we are both living in the USA. I was on a tourist visa that has now expired in September.

We did not understand the steps, of the process: we filed the I-130 by itself 8 months ago.
Now we understand we were supposed to file it with the I-485 to save time, money, and to stay in good legal standing.
Our I-130 is still pending. Are we able to file the I-485 now or must we wait til the I-130 is approved?

Thank you for your wisdom!

[Lol123]

No, one of the benefits of being married to a US citizen is that it doesn't matter if you don't have a legal status, you can still apply for adjustment of status. File as soon as possible I-485, and I-131and I-765 forms to receive work permit and travel permit while your case is pending. You don't have to wait for the I-130 to be approved.

[Enub4]

I think you can file I-485 (and all other required forms) with a copy of the pending I-130 receipt.

[binty]

Thank you so much for your responses. This is really helpful!

Someone has also told me that while I am fine to submit I-485, that it will be faster to wait for I-130 to be approved first.
Based on my status (or lack of), would you say I should submit it now or wait?

[newacct]

File now. There is no point to wait. The sooner you file, the sooner you are protected from deportation.