Wow almost like my story. My bf visited me here back in 2008 but sadly, we had to postpone our plans because he wasn't making enough for two. let's just say reality kicked in. so, he went back to school to finish his degree, bought his own house, found a better job, straigthened out his life and almost 5 years later we saw each other again in Singapore and had the best time of our lives. now he has a great job and we couldn't be more ready to tie the knot. I'm so glad I waited for him. best decision i've ever made. I'll have my medical exam and interview next month then fly there in the US in April then get married in June (hopefully on our 6th year anniv.)
Good luck to you and your girl. Stay strong and remind her all the time that you love her and you're doing everything for you to be together. You'll make it as long as that's what you both wanted.
I looked at several timelines and I noticed that on average, people get the hard copy of their NOA1 after 15 to 20 days of sending the packet. I could be wrong... we're still waiting for the hard copy of NOA1 too. got the email confirmation Aug 23. i'm hoping my fiance will get it on Friday. (crossing my fingers)
goodluck on your journey