I would strongly advise you NOT to travel outside the United States until you receive your green card. Your student visa was a "non-immigrant" visa - given to individuals who do not possess an "immigrant" intent at the time of their application (and subsequent entry). In other words, you told USCIS that you wished to come to the United States to study but not remain permanently. Once your husband filed the I-130 petition on your behalf, you put USCIS on notice of your "immigrant" intent. As a result, there is a very strong likelihood that you would have an issue when you return to the United States (you may be prevented from entering at the immigration post). The immigration officer may tell you that your F-1 visa is no longer valid since you wish to remain in the United States. It is strange that your husband only filed an I-130 petition, rather than a "one-step" petition (since both of you are presumably in the United States). A "one-step" petition would have significantly reduced the processing time for your application.
Answered on Dec 09th, 2012 at 10:42 PM