What’s fastest: B2 to J2 status change in US or apply for J2 from outside US? Please help!

[Fifa1 0]

Hello everyone!

My fiancé who is on the J1 visa has now started his job in the US and we’re thinking about fastest route for me to join him and (eventually) get work permit under J2. We're marrying in June and I want to visit him between now and our big day.

1. Should I visit him on B2, stay for about 3 months then apply for the J2 after we get married in Italy this summer?

1a. In this case, is it better to apply for J2 from outside or within the US after I return to the US on a valid B2, post wedding?

OR

2. Should I join him under the visa waiver programme as a tourist for 3 months, we get married in Italy this summer and I apply for J2 from outside the US? In this case I guess I’d only return to the US after getting the J2?

Please can anyone comment on which of 1 and 2 could be smoother and facilitate fastest entry as J2 holder?

I hear that getting J2 work permit takes long, anyone have any idea how long? Will this be affected by my choice of 1 or 2 above?

[NikLR 13,220]

~~moved to tourist visas from what visa do I need as OP is talking about non-immigrant visas not a family based sponsorship.~~