Prospective Marriage Visa questions

[kimurz]

I am wondering if anyone has gone through the Prospective Marriage Visa process that would be willing to share their experiences. My fiance (who is an Australian citizen by birth) and I (a CDN citizen) have just gone through the process of gathering all of the required supporting documentation and have submitted the paperwork and are now waiting for the Australian High Commission in Ottawa to contact us.

There are a few things that are somewhat confusing, such as whether or not I should have submitted fingerprints. When I contacted the AHC to ask, they advised that I didn't need to submit them since I am a CDN resident and do not have a criminal record. After reading the website again, I am not sure that I was directed correctly.

Also, when my fiance spoke to the AHC and the Department of Immigration in Australia, they said for CDN's usually just a chest x-ray is required. Once again, while reviewing the website it appears that for a permanent visa a medical is required as well. Does it depend on the country that you are applying from as to what type of tests are required?

I read somewhere that telephone interviews are usually conducted, has anyone been through one before? I am just trying to get a sense of the next steps that we will have to go through, the waiting is difficult at times.

Thank you.