I am a 20 year old Canadian and I want to adjust my status to American. My mother is an American citizen and can adjust my status. Do I have to be in the US for her to adjust it? How long will the process take? The Immigration national telephone number says we have to pay $1400 to adjust it, but what happens after that?

If you are lawfully in in the US, your USC mother can file the relative petition (I-130) and you can file the adjustment of status (I-485) concurrently. You will be scheduled for biometrics (10-print and digital picture) for the security checks and then scheduled for an interview, at which time you should be granted permanent residence.

If you are outside the US, your mother files the I-130 first and after approval, the USCIS sends notice to the NVC, which contacts you for the affidavit of support fee and agent selection. Afterwards you will be scheduled for the immigrant visa interview at the AMCON for your district. If your visa is granted, you enter the US and the CBP officer at the POE will approve your PR, annotate your passport and order card issuance. Good luck.