PhoebeMarlow

No of course not! I was asking in general any personnel in the military regardless of rank would be expedited (if at all). Someone already answered the question.

That is right, the military helpline is for enlisted and/or officers and sometimes they expedite the paperwork. My husband is enlisted and was deployed while our paperwork was processed. USCIS was really behind their deadlines at that time and if they hadn't expedited our paperwork, we would not have been able to go to the States together. But I think they only did it because he was deployed. But it's always worth a try :-)

Does anyone know if the "narrative" of how we met is something that I write? Or do we each have to do a copy? Do we have to sign the copy(ies) and include the "I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct." jargon?

When we did our paperwork, my fiance just wrote them a letter, basically saying how and when we met (well, in a longer form) :-) I guess it also couldn't hurt to again state your intent to get married. I think you should have to separate letters of intent, though. One from you and one from your fiance. At least that's what we did.

Thank you every one for your responses.

Anyone know how long she has to get her stuff together before the interview? I assume they must have some kind of deadline.

Well, basically you have as much time as you want. They send you a checklist, with everything that is needed. Once you have all the needed paperwork, you send the checklist (and some other forms) back and then they will evetnually give you an interview appointment.

Yes, you cannot leave the United States if you're on a K1 visa (well, you can leave, but you won't be allowed into the country again - I think they are pretty strict about that - so don't chance it!). As far as I know, the only thing besides a greencard that allows you to travel outside the US is a Travel Permit. You can apply for this after your marriage in combination with the AOS. It's going to be quicker than the greencard, but still take some time.

We also had one thing missing at the interview (Frankfurt); we scanned and e-mailed the missing document and got the visa about two weeks later - no second interview needed.

I agree with what was said before: proof of relationship is essential and your fiance should be prepared to answer some indept questions at the interview at the consulate. E.g. they asked me details about his job, how much he earns, about his family and so on.

Also make sure, that you can take care of the financial aspects of all that. You will have to provide W2s and tax transcripts for recent years and the filing fee for AOS (after marriage) is another 1090$. Also take in consideration, that the whole process takes some time and some more time once you're married. I am in the States since November 2009 and still have no Employment Authorization.

But also: keep your faith and good luck. It's all worth it in the end :-)