Dr Omer Vedat Unalp brought an extensive career in general surgery, liver transplantation, and academic medicine to his US immigration application. We initially secured approval under EB-2 NIW. When the immigrant visa wait raised timing concerns for his family, we reassessed the strategy and prepared an EB-1A petition. That petition was also approved, and he subsequently obtained his Green Card through the EB-1A process.
Case at a glance
| Item | Case details |
|---|---|
| Profile | General surgeon, academic, and liver transplant specialist |
| Professional focus | Liver, bile duct, and pancreatic surgery; liver transplantation |
| Initial petition | EB-2 NIW — approved |
| Subsequent petition | EB-1A Extraordinary Ability — approved after an RFE response |
| RFE response | Prepared and submitted within approximately one week; approval followed the next day |
| Permanent residence | Consular processing in Ankara, followed by US entry as a permanent resident |
| Final outcome | Green Card received approximately one month after arrival |
Building the initial EB-2 NIW petition
After graduating from Ege University, Omer specialized in general surgery and developed expertise in liver, bile duct, and pancreatic surgery and liver transplantation. His academic career also included serving as Head of Liver Transplantation.
We prepared his EB-2 NIW petition around his medical expertise, academic achievements, publications, citations, and contribution to his field. The supporting record brought together evidence of his clinical and academic work, recommendation letters, and public coverage of his professional activities.
Our role was to organize that record into a clear case explaining his experience and proposed contribution in the United States. The EB-2 NIW petition was approved.
Reassessing the strategy as the wait continued
After the NIW approval, the immigrant visa process moved more slowly than expected. The waiting period became an important consideration in the family’s plans, prompting us to review the available options again.
We assessed Omer’s record for EB-1A and prepared a second petition. The evidence assembled for NIW gave us a substantial foundation, but the EB-1A petition required its own legal argument and presentation of the evidence. We updated the supporting materials and recommendation letters to address that category’s requirements.
The decision reflected both his professional record and the family’s circumstances at that stage. It allowed us to pursue another route while building on the preparation already completed.
Responding to the Request for Evidence
During the EB-1A review, USCIS issued a Request for Evidence, or RFE. We reviewed the request and prepared a response addressing the issues raised.
We submitted the response within approximately one week. USCIS approved the petition the following day.
That approval made it possible to continue the permanent residence process through EB-1A. The case now had approvals under both categories, with EB-1A providing the route ultimately used to complete the move.
Completing the journey to permanent residence
Following the EB-1A approval, Omer and his family completed the immigrant visa process and attended their consular interview in Ankara. We also helped resolve difficulties associated with a change in the consular appointment system during this stage.
The family subsequently entered the United States as permanent residents. Omer received his Green Card by mail approximately one month after arrival.
His case shows why immigration planning benefits from ongoing review. A successful petition was an important first step; reassessing the strategy as the waiting period continued helped bring the process through to permanent residence.
Learn more about our EB-2 NIW services and EB-1A Extraordinary Ability services.
How we can help with your application
At Celiksoy Law, we assess your professional record, proposed US work, and immigration goals to identify an appropriate strategy. We help select and organize supporting evidence, develop the petition and recommendation letters, respond to requests for evidence, and guide the subsequent permanent residence process. For physicians and academics considering EB-2 NIW or EB-1A, our assessment looks at both eligibility and the practical steps needed to move the case forward.
To request an assessment, email your current resume or CV to us@celiksoylaw.com, or complete the eligibility assessment form.