Your story
is kinda like mine but in reverse.
Although it has all ended and I am now going through a divorce to my American husband, we went through the same process. Met, fell in love, looked at him moving here for work. Nigh on impossible. Fiance Visa...can't work so no good. So we got married in Vegas, drove to LA for an interview at the consulate. Took our entire history with us. 6 big files of info, emails, letters, every single bit of personal info we could find about us and my situation.
He was granted his visa after enormous stress and expense. Then he moved over, found work but yes with no recourse to public funds.
Then we had to apply for his proper visa. Again every bit of info had to be present and correct. It was so stressful. He also had to do his 'living in the UK' test.
We bought all the books and prep tests. There were so many questions on there that I didn't even now the answer to.
He met lots of people in the waiting room who were struggling with passing and very upset and uptight about how they were going to do.
He passed and it was ok, but like you, it cost thousands in real terms. The emotional cost is impossible to explain.
I hope things work out for you, I really do.

And if I can just add...I know things didn't work out for me but the whole process really opened my eyes to an immigration process I was clueless about, and the whole experience was an adventure I enjoyed and will never forget.
( Herb Alpert's Taxi Driver I have very beautiful lips, Thu 8 Apr 2010, 0:09, Reply)