> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://visaflo.ca/knowledge-base/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Start Guide

> Set up the essentials, create a first case, and establish the first client workflow in VisaFlo.

## What success looks like

Your first VisaFlo setup is complete when your team can move one real client through a repeatable path: capture the enquiry, create the client and case, request information, assign internal work, and see what is still needed. Do not try to configure every feature before you have validated that path.

## Start with the product model

VisaFlo separates the relationship from the work:

* A **lead** is a prospect before engagement.
* A **client** is the person or organization your firm serves.
* A **case** is a specific immigration matter for that client.
* **Questionnaires, files, tasks, drafts, invoices, and signatures** are case work, not separate systems.

Read [How VisaFlo Works](/knowledge-base/guide/visaflo-operating-model) before setting up a new team. It explains why this model prevents intake details, deadlines, documents, and client communication from drifting apart.

## Complete your first workflow

1. Invite the staff members who will own intake, case work, and billing. See [Invite a member](/knowledge-base/settings/inviting-a-member).
2. Set your branded sender address and signature before you send client communication. See [Branded email](/knowledge-base/settings/branded-email-address) and [Email Signature](/knowledge-base/settings/email-signature).
3. Create a client and an initial case. See [Add a client](/knowledge-base/clients/adding-a-client) and [Create a case](/knowledge-base/cases/creating-a-case).
4. Send the client a questionnaire or portal invitation. See [Send Invitation](/knowledge-base/questionnaires/send-invitation) and [Client Portal](/knowledge-base/portal/client-portal).
5. Add the first internal task and due date. See [Tasks & statuses](/knowledge-base/faq/how-tasks-reminders-workflows-deadlines-and-case-statuses-work).
6. Upload one representative document and review how your team will organize folders. See [Upload Files](/knowledge-base/files/upload-files).

## Choose one intake path

Most firms begin with one of these patterns:

| If you need to...                  | Start with...                                           | Then...                                                                |
| ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Qualify a new enquiry              | [Lead forms](/knowledge-base/leads/custom-lead-form)    | Review the lead, book a consultation, then convert when retained.      |
| Open work for an existing client   | [Add a client](/knowledge-base/clients/adding-a-client) | Create a case and send the case questionnaire.                         |
| Move an existing file into VisaFlo | [Create a case](/knowledge-base/cases/creating-a-case)  | Add the client, team owner, documents, tasks, and next client request. |

## What to defer

Set up templates, e-signatures, payment workflows, portal autofill, and integrations after your first end-to-end client workflow works. These features are most valuable when they reinforce an agreed intake and case process rather than substitute for one.

## Next step

Use [Launch Your Firm](/knowledge-base/guide/launch-your-firm) to turn the first workflow into a team standard.