Originally Posted by buckminsterfullerene

you did not say the important stuff, did he come into this country illegally or legally, the later case the petition takes a couple months, its really a piece of cake.

But if he came illegally, then the case becomes a bit more complicated but not impossible. The legalization through marriage could take place without him having to leave the country if he is grandfathered under 245i (there are many people here that know a great deal more about this then me, I am sure they will be contributing momentarily). If he is not covered by 245i then he would have to leave to his country of origin to apply for a visa, initially I used to think this would automatically activate the 10-year ban, but I recently heard of someone here that was illegally in this country, went to mexico to get the visa and was back in the country legally weeks later, so, there is hope.