Hi, I am 32 years old guy single w/o kids that came to the US 10 years ago with a tourist Visa. I stayed, and my mother, who is a permanent resident, petitioned me through I-130 before on March 2001 (245(i) benefits). It was approved and awaiting for a visa number. I called the Visa center and they said last week they sent me some papers (I-864) but that they only process Visas for people to receive them out of the US, country of Origin. I told them I want to receive it here, and they suggested me to call USCIS to adjust my status (I-485). Is this something I really need to do? How long does this take? I have waited almost 8 years after having my application approved in 2001, but my lawyer never said about submitting a I-485 at time of I-130 was submitted. He said I did not need to leave the country because of the time I was applying and because of the extension of 245(i). I don’t know how long this is going to take now. Please advice what to do.

