Hi, I'm here in the U.S. on a B-1 Business Visa...I recently got engaged to a U.S. Citizen...what is the process for converting my status from B-1 to marriage based visa? How long should this process take? Please help.

It depends on where you're filing, but the whole process (from filing to the time you get your conditional status) usually takes about 4 - 6 months. The primary forms are the I-130 (family immigration petition) and I-485 (Adjustment of Status application). Fees, until Feb. 19 only, are $550. You have to have a physical, prove that any divorces are finalized, that your new marriage is valid and legitimate and that your spouse can support you, among other things. The petition is fairly routine and you can do it without an attorney, but (and keep in mind that I'm an attorney) it can be alot more convenient and hassle-free if you retain an attorney--especially if you feel there is anything out of the ordinary about your situation.
Mark

I hear that AOS can be completed much quicker in Texas. Or is that just for K-1 Aos cases? My friend was here on K1 and they did their adjustment of status the day after getting married by going to the INS office in person and waiting in line. Is that possible for a B1 case?

Rani,
Texas is fairly speedy with the I-130 process from what I hear. The quickest office that I know of personally is the one in my district, Pittsburgh. They have been giving work authorizations on the day of in-person filing, travel docs about 3 weeks later and AOS interviews in about 3 months. Don't forget, no matter where you file, you are in updated status as soon as you file and I don't know of a district that takes more than a few weeks to give a work auth.
Mark

That's specifically for K-1ers at the Dallas office.

Andy.

--
I'm not really here - it's just your warped imagination.

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rani wrote:
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NO, they only do this for K-1's at this office. Alvena
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Doc Steen Site: http://www.mindspring.com/~docsteen/...o/visainfo.htm
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I am not a lawyer and this is not immigration advice. This is my personal opinion,
gleaned from the previous postings of others, and posted for the purpose of
discussion only. If your case is complicated, then you may need an immigration
attorney. Locate an immigration attorney in your area at: http://www.aila.org
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