We actually have an appointment to file the return and W7 in person at an IRS office on February 1. Because my husband has to provide his passport when submitting the W7, we didn't want to mail it in.
However, to one of the points in your first post, it might actually be worth filing for an extension, because I think he should likely receive his work authorization well before October 15, which means he could get an SSN and in turn be eligible for the $1400.
Thank you for your responses!
