How hard and costly is it to get U.S. residency through marriage?

Hi, i came into the U.S. legally with a tourist visa when i was 8 yrs old. when i was about 14 it expired and i remained in the country so now i am here illegaly. last july i married my husband who is a U.S. citizen and we are now trying to legalize my status. i was a great student, attended college and have no criminal record (besides 2 traffic tickets) not sure if that counts. can anybody explain what should i do first to start the process? how much should i expect to spend?do you guys recommend i get an attorney? what are the chances of me getting approved for residency? sorry so many ?'s but i really want to do this right!!!!

any help will be greatly appreciated!!!
Additional Details
Thanks to everybody that answered my question. you guys are very helpful!!! and yes this is a relationship based on love. i am 23 yrs. old now so its been about 9 yrs since i have been illegal. i believe you have to show some kind of photo book right?? what kind of pics are they looking for???

Aztec

pianojan is totally right... but she forgot the immigration physical examination and vaccination. The cost depends on whether you already have some vaccinations done. But you should put aside at least $200 for the exam/vaccines and oh.. if you are under 26, you will also need the HPV which is the most expensive so throw another $300 in. You can easily complete the application yourself but if you want to save on lawyer's fees (between $1,500-$3,000), you can get a paralegal who will make sure all documents are filled accordingly.
Now, about the residency question, you get approved when you successfully passed the interview. Try to google "marriage based green card interview" or "marriage based interview questions" and try to rehearse a bit with your husband.
Good luck and don't forget to let us know how it all worked out!

Education Is Key

Since your husband is a US citizen, your overstay will not matter at all. Still, you have to document that it is a bona fide relationship. You will recived conditional resident status if your marriage is less then 2 years old at time of admission into resident status (usually time of interview) Get a good lawyer, go to AILA.org website where you can get a referral to a good immigration attorney. I'm in Boston, if you're in the area. You can email me. Good luck.

Jeannie Out of the Bottle

Your husband will have to file a petition for alien relative, an I-130. Since you previously had status, you will have to file to adjust status, an I-485.
The I-130 cost is $355. The total fee for the I-485, including biometrics is $1010. You will need to file a G-325 for biographic information. An I-864, affidavit of support will have to be filed by your husband as well.

Yes, it would benefit you to consult an attorney since you are currently out of status.

Go here and read what you need to do.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Read the instructions on the forms and go from there.

pianojangee

You definitely need very competent immigration attorney's help since you have been out of status for at least 5-10 years (depends how old you are now). You are facing very difficult time getting your green card approved due to your long overstay.

I-130 Filing fee is $355, I-485, I-765, I-131 Filing fee is $1,010, I-601 Waiver Fee is $545. Your US Citizen should have income of 125% above Poverty line which is $22,887 for the house of 2.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864P.pdf

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