Visa Qualifications as a Canadian Citizen

[Manouela]

Hello,

I'm looking into an L1B visa as a "special knowledge" employee to be transferred to our New York City office. I've read that as a Canadian, I can just apply for the visa at the border. Does this work the same way as the TN visa (ie, with just a written letter from employer)? Or does the company still need to apply to the immigration office. If not to the immigration office, then do they still need to apply for the blanket petition (which my company does qualify for)?
If they do need a blanket petition, do I still qualify to enter as an L1B applicant? I'm so confused with all the various restrictions.
I have a diploma in Fashion Marketing and about 6 years experience in various Fashion positions, exlcuding retail. I deal with buyers, exporting/importing, inventory,domestic & international sales, AR/AP and the list goes on.where do I qualify under? Am I able to apply for a TN visa under "purchasing agent"?
Im just looking to make this as easy a transition for my company. We have no lawyer to ask these questions too.

Thank you in advance, any answer you can give is much appreciated

[Reba]

You do not need to go to the consulate for an L1B visa, you can apply directly at the US POE. Its a lot more detailed and requires a lot more paperwork to be included than the TN does though, and if you dn't have it all with you, your visa will be denied (BTDT, learn from My mistake! )

Your employer does not need to do the blanket unless (IIRC) they intend to be sending a whole whack of employees over on L1Bs. If its just you, then the non-blanket form is what you need.

If you have the special knowledge (usually helps if you have a few years on the job experience with this particular employer), then you should have no difficulties getting an L1B visa.

[Manouela]

Firstly, thank you for a quick reply!

But, if I understand you correctly, I dont send anything to USCIS to be approved? I just take the non-blanket form filled out by my employer and take it the borders? Along with all other forms I have to fill out & cash for the visa?

[Reba]

Yep, that's all you need to do. Just take the whole kit n kaboodle with you to the border.

Make sure you have everything that is on the checklist of back-up information they need. Like the company corporation information, your job description letter, etc etc etc.