✅ EB-1A: approval
The author shares the joy of receiving EB-1A approval, despite a career break and choosing not to use lawyers.
Case details
Filing: EB-1A
Decision: Approval
Service Center: Texas
Criteria claimed: 8
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✓Critical role
Confirmed
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✓Judging
Judge in five competitions, audit and peer review of articles
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✓Media
4 major + 2 niche outlets over 2 years
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✓Academic articles
5 pieces over 2 years
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✓Awards
3
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✓Contribution
Confirmed
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✓Associations
3
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✓Exhibitions
4
How it all went
Hi everyone!
On the eve of the New Year I want to share huge joy and relief! Last week I received the long-awaited EB-1A approval! AAAA! I still can’t believe it 
I applied as an Art Director (in branding); the case was adjudicated in Texas.
Our story began in October last year when we met Sveta @svetavasinaa in New York, and she shared her inspiring story. She showed us how a case is built, gave lots of advice and made us believe it’s real. She also told us about this chat.
With a small child in our arms, my husband and I understood we couldn’t handle it on our own. We had a bad experience with lawyers before, so we ruled that option out. Then, diving into the chat and joining calls, we met Egor @e_akimov. His level of commitment and knowledge completely won us over, and we decided to prepare the case with him and his team.
The main challenge in my case was an almost three-year career break when I didn’t have work authorization in the US. A year of hard work, fatigue and anxiety lay ahead. But today, holding the approval letter in my hands, I know it was all worth it.
We submitted:
- Critical role
- Judging (judge in five competitions, audit and peer review of articles)
- Media (4 major + 2 niche outlets) over 2 years
- Academic articles (5 pieces) over 2 years
- Awards (3)
- Contribution
- Associations (3)
- Exhibitions (4)
- A large section on Final Merits
NOT INCLUDED: Salary
The process of working on the case was really tough. We juggled everything: work, maternity leave, writing the case. And, of course, it was impossible to figure out all aspects on our own. Thankfully, this expertise could be delegated to a whole team. Throughout the work we felt support at every stage and a clear understanding of the petition strategy. The team has a huge statistical base and knows exactly what officers pay attention to and what they will pick at. We felt we were in the reliable hands of people who constantly keep their finger on the pulse and continuously analyze current statistics, real cases and RFEs.
I know it’s a really difficult time right now for those applying. We prepared for the worst scenarios and were ready to fight to the end, even if we received an RFE or a denial. And believe me, real achievements or being “top-tier” don’t always play the key role. Shortly before me, a friend of mine applied whose experience and credentials were significantly higher than mine, but he first got a NOID, then a denial. In the end everything turned out fine and he has already received his green card, but I want to say that it’s a matter of persistence and luck. Do everything you can! Don’t despair, don’t give up, everything will definitely work out!
To those who are doubting or stuck, responding to an RFE, or disappointed in lawyers like we were — don’t hesitate to contact Egor, you definitely won’t regret it!
Huge thanks to Egor and his team! And to everyone actively participating in the chat, sharing information, helping others, you
Main insight
“Even without lawyers you can successfully prepare a case if you work with an experienced team and have a clear strategy.”
Dasha Shiyan (@dashashiyan)
2024-10
Start of case preparation
2025-12
EB-1A approval
Author of the story
Dasha Shiyan (@dashashiyan), from the @talentvisahelp chat. Original message in the chat.
Useful resources on the topic
All information about O-1 / EB-1A / EB-2 NIW
More success and denial stories: channel @o1eb1