Good day! I'm looking for some clarification on the L-1A visa application process. I am currently employed as a manager for a Canadian software company with a US subsidiary operation. My boss and I are both looking to acquire L-1A Visa's so we can expand the current US operations and we are in the beginning stages of sorting out what is needed.

I believe I understand the I-129 application forms and paperwork that is needed, but there seems to be some other steps that aren't quite clear.

As I understand it, due to NAFTA we can apply for the visa's directly at a port of entry and be approved without delay. Is this process advisable, any disadvantages?

Can anyone share their experience with the interview process?

After the approvals I understand that we will receive an I-797 form, but that this does not comprise the visa. What do we do with this, how do you get the actual visa?

I have found references to a DS-156 (now online form DS-160). Do we need to apply for this before we submit the I-129, after or at the same time?

If we do this process at a port-of-entry (we are only an hours drive from a major border crossing), can we expect the whole process to be completed in a day, in other words walk in with the paperwork and walk out with the actual visa?

As I understand it, once the visa is secured we can apply for a SSN, is that correct?

I'm just wondering if someone who has gone through this can step me through the process so I know I'm getting this done correctly.

Would it be recommended to use an immigration lawyer for this process and any ideas of what to expect for cost?

Thanks in advance!

Yes, under NAFTA, an L-1A applicant can submit the petition directly at certain ports of departure; this is referred to as "pre-flight inspection." prepare for the same type of questions as you would if you were applying for the L-1 visa at the US consulate. Should know the basics of the Canadian company, the US subsidiary, detailed information on current qualifying position and the prospective US position, educational and work experience and immigration visa history.

Canadians do not need a visa issued in the passport, as they can travel to and from Canada with the I-797 approval notice.

The process should be relatively quick, but plan for at least a few hours depending on how busy they are.

After you are granted entry, you will have a I-94 annotated with your L-1 status. With that, you can apply for your SSN. Please note, it takes about 2 weeks for your status to be inputted into the system for SSA to recognize.

Yes, find an experienced immigration attorney. Fees should range from $2000 to $3500 plus the visa fees and expenses. Good luck.

Thank you for the information, very helpful! Am I understanding that I don't need to apply the DS-156 at all then? Do you just keep the I-797 on your person to present at crossing? Any ideas how long the consulate route takes?

You only need the I-797 approval notice. If you are traveling internationally and coming directly to the US, you may want to get the visa issued in your passport. The processing time varies from consulate to consulate, but generally only a few weeks lead time and the day of your interview.

Discuss the details with an immigration attorney. Try to have your projected travel plans to assist in the visa strategy.