You cannot switch to a K-1 in country. A K-1 (which, by the way, you should completely rule out - it is useless to you) can only be applied for outside the US.
It’s fraudulent to apply for a J-1 with a plan to remain. You must demonstrate no immigration intent for a non-immigrant visa.
If you're wondering why I'm recommending that you scrap the idea of the K-1, it’s because it’s an over-priced tourist visa that allows you to stay in a tourist status for 90 days (no work, no formal education, in many states no driving) with the added feature that you can pay even more money to stay if you get married within the 90 days. You then have the AOS period where you still can’t work (or drive in some states) for many more months. So you are paying more to get less. You can get married on a VWP visit and file a CR-1. With that visa (which is cheaper) you are a full permanent resident (aka green card holder) from the minute your passport is stamped at the airport and can work and enjoy all the benefits of permanent residency from day one. No limbo status like you have with the K-1. You surely didn’t spend all those years reaching this point in your career to then be unemployed for many months?
How about availing of a free evaluation for an EB-1 self petition? It does not hurt to ask. There might be other firms but I only know Victoria Chen who offers an Approval or Refund package. Good luck!
Forget the K-1. It has no benefit for you whatsoever. The CR-1 is much better if you are going down the marriage route (which is the most logical and straightforward route).
timquark reacted to JFH in Which Visa? J-1? K-1? O?