EAD and consular processing

[puns]

Hi,
Can I apply for greencard from outside the US. I have used 5 years of my H1 and then moved to Canada.
What stage of GC processing can i reach staying out of country.
At what stage of GC processing do I need to go back to the US?
If I apply for labor now, will it be considered as application date? I have another 2 years before I plan to enter US on fresh 6 year H1 visa.

Thanks

[PraetorianXI]

How exactly do you expect to apply for a GC? under a family member? through employment?

You can't just "apply yourself for your own GC". It has to be either sponsored for a US company or organization or a family member (spouse, parents or sibling) who is an US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

[puns]

An employer in the us will be filing it for me...