EB-1A Case Study: Oncology Researcher from Russia Advances His Work in the United States 

Even with such an accomplished background, the case presented two unique evidentiary challenges. The client had an extensive career that began well before the internet era, which made locating and verifying some of his early records difficult. Because much of his professional work was conducted in Russia, obtaining supporting documentation also required navigating additional institutional barriers. 

In addition, the volume of material that needed to be translated was considerable. Many of the materials had to be tracked down through original sources, translated, and carefully contextualized for USCIS review. 

When an RFE arrived, it was an opportunity to clarify his story and reinforce the global impact of his work. “To really support this client,” Ms. Nease said, “I had to have a working understanding of his innovative cancer treatments, which meant I had to ask a lot of questions. It took time to learn the science behind what made his research so groundbreaking, but that was what made this case so interesting to work on.” 

Under the direction of Attorney Nizar Kafrouni, the team approached the RFE response with precision and creativity. The strategy focused on deepening the evidence for four key areas: his judging of the work of others, his original scientific contributions, his leadership roles, and his high remuneration compared to others in the field. 

With the client’s help, the team assembled new documentary evidence confirming his participation as Chair and Voting Member of Safety Review Committees for oncology trials and as an Editorial Board Member for a respected medical journal. Correspondence from editors and medical directors provided clear proof of his authority and role in evaluating the work of other professionals. 

To strengthen the record of his original contributions, our team highlighted existing evidence, including citation data showing how widely his research had been recognized and applied. They also included new independent expert letters that described his development of a colorectal cancer treatment model as “a major step forward in the field,” with one expert calling it “the most comprehensive contribution in Russian oncology literature.” 

The team further documented his membership in the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), submitted updated letters of recommendation confirming his senior medical leadership roles, and provided verified salary data from international sources showing that his earnings were significantly above average in both Russia and Mexico. 

Ms. Nease emphasized that teamwork was key to success. The client’s engagement throughout the process and the richness of the material he provided allowed the team to build a compelling and cohesive petition that clearly reflected his achievements and impact. “Preparing a strong EB-1A case like this was incredibly rewarding because it showed what’s possible when both client and attorney work together with full commitment,” she said. 

The petition was approved, recognizing the oncologist’s extraordinary achievements and granting him U.S. permanent residence. For Ms. Nease, the result was deeply meaningful. “It was really rewarding helping such a renowned oncologist come to the U.S.,” she reflected. “He was a fantastic client to work with, and helping him achieve his goal was a great experience.” 

She added that this approval was a professional milestone for everyone involved. “Preparing a strong EB-1A case like this is always fulfilling, but what stood out here was how collaborative it was. We were working with someone whose research is literally saving lives, and helping him bring that work to the U.S. felt like an honor.” 

Today, the client continues to conduct oncology research and oversee clinical trials in the United States, mentoring other medical professionals and developing new cancer treatments that hold promise for patients worldwide. 

If you’d like to explore whether an EB-1A could support your own vision, we offer a free evaluation here.