L1, L2 Visa

I was in this situation where I have a L1-A expiring in April 2018, GC EAD valid till Jan 2019, but no I-140 approval yet (NBC takes up to 14 months to approve). Company asked me to go out of the country and get L1-A extended. They said this was a backup in case the I-140 gets rejected. They suggested this was better than applying to USCIS through post. Apparently, if one goes outside the country and applies at a consulate and the visa is rejected, we can still come back into the US (as long as visa is valid) and still try the postal route.

In my case, they suggested that I go to Canada. So I did. I went with my wife and kids (all on L2, with GC EAD). And it worked out well. I just completed my visa interview on 03/15 and should receive my visa on 03/19 ( shipment enroute). VO hardly asked any questions.

Questions:

VO: Is this an L1 extension?
Me: Yes

VO: What’s do you do?
Me: I work as a xxxx at xxxx.

VO: How long have you been with the company?
Me: Since 2010, first in country x and since 2015 in the US

VO: I see you are a permanent resident of xxxx (another country apart from country of citizenship)
Me: Yes

VO: And your company has applied for your green card.
Me: Yes, and I have my EAD document.

VO: (hands over a pamphlet) here are your labor rights in the US. Your visas are approved. You should get it back in 3-5 days.
Me: Thank you

And we walked away. Status changed to “issued” on 03/16/18 and got a message from carrier on the same day that I can expect to collect passport on 03/19.

PS- I carried a ton of paperwork including original mark sheets, offer letters, pay slips, ban statements, marriage and birth certificates. They didn’t ask for anything.