Patrick Soon-Shiong and Their Immigration Story

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong's journey from apartheid South Africa to American billionaire demonstrates how immigration policy choices shape national prosperity. Arriving in the United States in 1980 with belongings in a single U-Haul truck, this surgeon-turned-entrepreneur now holds about $5.4 billion (as of November 2025) in net worth, controls hundreds of patents worldwide, and has generated billions in medical innovations that save American lives. For today's physicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs following similar paths, modern visa categories like the O-1A extraordinary ability visa and EB-1A green card offer structured pathways created by the Immigration Act of 1990 that didn't exist in Soon-Shiong's era.

Who Is Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong? Medical Pioneer and Immigrant Success Story

Born July 29, 1952 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Patrick Soon-Shiong is the son of Hakka Chinese immigrants who themselves fled China during the Japanese invasion of World War II. His parents ran a small general store in a country where racial classification determined every life opportunity.

Growing up under apartheid's institutionalized racism, Soon-Shiong experienced systematic discrimination despite exceptional academic talent. He was classified as "Chinese"—neither black nor white—which meant carrying mandatory ID cards, restricted bus seating, and limited educational access. When Soon-Shiong applied to medical school in 1969, the University of Witwatersrand admitted only 2 Chinese students among 200 total under strict racial quotas: 196 white, 2 Indian, 2 Chinese.

Despite these barriers, he graduated in 1975 at age 23, ranking fourth in a class of 189 students. His exceptional credentials, however, couldn't protect him from apartheid's discrimination in practice.

Early Medical Career Under Apartheid

Soon-Shiong's medical internship in Johannesburg revealed the cruel reality behind the credentials. Despite his top-tier medical training, the government required him to:

• Work at 50% the salary paid to white doctors performing identical work
• Obtain special government permission to treat patients at "white" hospitals
• Carry racial classification cards at all times
• Accept that merit alone would never overcome systemic barriers

The 1976 Soweto uprising proved pivotal. Soon-Shiong treated Black students injured when police opened fire on protesters. "I was looking after these kids, and now I'm visiting them in the I.C.U. That really scared me," he later recalled. This experience crystallized his understanding that staying meant accepting permanent second-class status regardless of achievement.

Today, physicians and researchers facing similar discrimination in their home countries can pursue immigration pathways that recognize extraordinary ability and contributions to their field, bypassing employer-sponsored limitations.

Patrick Soon-Shiong's Immigration Journey to America

From Johannesburg to Vancouver: The First Step

In 1977, Soon-Shiong immigrated to Canada with his wife Michele B. Chan, a fellow Chinese South African. Canada served as a strategic stepping stone—a place to gain additional credentials and North American medical experience before attempting U.S. entry.

During his three years in Vancouver, he:

• Completed surgical residency at a Vancouver hospital
• Earned a master's degree from University of British Columbia in 1979
• Received recognition from the American College of Surgeons and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Built credentials that would strengthen his eventual U.S. application

This multi-stage pathway remains relevant today. Many physicians first establish themselves in Canada before transitioning to U.S. opportunities, particularly when direct U.S. visa sponsorship proves challenging.

Securing U.S. Entry and Building an Academic Career

In 1980, Soon-Shiong moved to the United States to join UCLA's surgical program. The couple arrived with everything they owned packed in a U-Haul truck. Michele cried when she saw their $400-per-month apartment near UCLA—a stark contrast to their hopes but a necessary sacrifice. They had no car and relied on a hand-me-down television that required occasional slapping to function.

Michele initially earned more money working as an actress while Patrick completed his training. By 1983, at age 31, he joined UCLA Medical School faculty. He became a board-certified surgeon in 1984, and in 1986 performed the first West Coast pancreas transplant.

The timeline illustrates what medical professionals should expect:

• 1977-1980: Canadian credentialing and experience building (3 years)
• 1980-1983: U.S. training and early career establishment (3 years)
• 1983-present: Faculty position to citizenship (decades)
• Total: Approximately 30 years from first immigration to full U.S. citizenship

The Path to U.S. Citizenship

Soon-Shiong is a U.S. citizen, as confirmed by Congressional records. The extended timeline before naturalization—potentially 20-27 years after arriving in the U.S.—suggests that citizenship, while valuable, wasn't urgent for his success. His green card provided sufficient stability to build companies, accumulate wealth, and contribute to American medicine.

The Visa Pathways Available to Medical Innovators Like Dr. Soon-Shiong

If Dr. Soon-Shiong were immigrating today with his credentials, he would qualify for multiple visa categories that offer faster, more predictable pathways than existed in 1980.

O-1A: Extraordinary Ability in Sciences

The O-1A visa recognizes individuals with extraordinary ability demonstrated through sustained national or international acclaim. Soon-Shiong's profile would easily meet the criteria:

• Publications: Over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Original contributions: Pioneering pancreas and islet cell transplantation techniques
• Critical capacity: Faculty position at UCLA Medical School, top-tier institution
• Awards and recognition: Recognition from American and Canadian medical colleges

Today's physicians with similar achievements can access O-1A visas through expert immigration attorneys who build compelling evidence packages highlighting research impact, citations, and recognition.

EB-1A: Extraordinary Ability Green Card

The EB-1A green card offers permanent residency without employer sponsorship—ideal for researchers whose work transcends any single institution. Soon-Shiong's credentials would qualify:

• Major contributions to field: Developed Abraxane cancer treatment that exceeded $1 billion in annual sales at peak
• Scholarly publications: Extensive research record in transplant immunology and cancer treatment
• Original scientific contributions: Hundreds of patents representing groundbreaking innovations
• Leadership: Department positions, company founding, clinical trial oversight

The EB-1A pathway eliminates the labor certification requirement, allowing self-petitioning.

EB-2 NIW: National Interest Waiver for Physicians

The EB-2 NIW particularly suits medical professionals whose work benefits U.S. public health—exactly Soon-Shiong's profile. His diabetes and cancer research, transplant techniques, and hospital access initiatives all serve national interests.

The NIW requires demonstrating:

• Advanced degree: Medical degree plus master's (or medical degree with 5+ years experience)
• Substantial merit: Life-saving medical innovations
• National importance: Cancer and diabetes affect millions of Americans
• Well-positioned: Track record of successful research and clinical implementation
• Benefit outweighs labor certification: Flexibility to move between institutions advances research faster

Physicians working in underserved areas, conducting critical research, or developing innovative treatments can self-petition through EB-2 NIW, bypassing employer sponsorship requirements entirely.

How Dr. Soon-Shiong's Research Work Advanced U.S. Healthcare

The United States gained extraordinary value from admitting Patrick Soon-Shiong—value that far exceeds any public investment in his immigration or education.

Pioneering Pancreatic Islet Transplantation

Soon-Shiong's early research at UCLA focused on transplant immunology, particularly pancreatic islet cell transplantation as a treatment for diabetes. This groundbreaking work involved:

• Isolating insulin-producing islet cells from donor pancreases
• Developing techniques to transplant these cells without full organ transplantation
• Addressing immune rejection challenges
• Creating protocols that later researchers built upon

While the technique didn't become standard treatment, the research advanced scientific understanding of diabetes, immunology, and transplantation—contributing to the knowledge base that enables today's treatments.

The Clinical Impact of Abraxane in Oncology

Abraxane represents Soon-Shiong's most significant clinical contribution. The drug reformulates paclitaxel (Taxol) using albumin-bound nanoparticle technology, which:

• Eliminates the need for toxic solvents that caused severe allergic reactions
• Improves drug delivery to tumors
• Reduces side effects while maintaining or improving efficacy
• Expands treatment options for breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers

The FDA approved Abraxane in 2005 for breast cancer, 2012 for NSCLC, and 2013 for pancreatic cancer, and it is widely used for metastatic breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. At its peak, the drug exceeded $1 billion in annual sales.

This single innovation—developed by an immigrant who was forced to work at 50% salary in his birth country—saved American lives while generating billions in economic value.

Hospital Access and Community Health Initiatives

Beyond pharmaceutical innovation, Soon-Shiong invested heavily in healthcare access for underserved communities:

• $100 million guarantee for Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital serving South Los Angeles neighborhoods that lacked nearby hospital care for 8 years
• In 2017, an affiliate provided financing and management involvement with Verity Health's six hospitals; Verity subsequently filed for bankruptcy in 2018, and several facilities were later closed or sold
• Explicit framing of this work as fighting "medical apartheid" in America

At the 2015 MLK Hospital opening, he declared: "Medical apartheid will end right here, the health desert will end right here." His apartheid experience drove commitment to healthcare equity—a direct benefit of his immigration to the United States.

Lessons from Patrick Soon-Shiong's Immigration Story for Today's Applicants

Soon-Shiong's journey offers actionable guidance for current immigration applicants, particularly in medicine, science, and entrepreneurship.

Document Everything from Day One

Soon-Shiong's credentials—fourth in medical school class, publications, recognition, pioneering techniques—formed the evidence base for his visa applications and career advancement. Today's applicants should:

• Maintain publication records: Keep copies of all published papers, citations, and impact metrics
• Document recognition: Save award letters, media coverage, conference invitations, peer review requests
• Track innovations: Patent applications, clinical trial results, breakthrough discoveries
• Collect recommendation letters: Request letters contemporaneously when achievements occur, not years later
• Build digital presence: Professional websites, Google Scholar profiles, ResearchGate accounts demonstrating impact

Immigration petitions require concrete evidence of achievement. Expert attorneys help organize this documentation into compelling narratives that meet USCIS criteria for extraordinary ability or outstanding researcher classifications.

Consider Multi-Stage Pathways

Soon-Shiong's Canada → USA route may seem inefficient, but it provided:

• Additional credentials recognized in North America
• Time to build research record in Western institutions
• Professional networks that facilitated U.S. opportunities
• Reduced pressure during initial adjustment period

Today's applicants might consider:

• Starting with H-1B specialty occupation visas while building EB-1A or EB-2 NIW evidence
• Using O-1A temporary status before green card application
• Pursuing academic appointments that provide institutional support for immigration
• Building publications and citations before applying for self-petitioning categories

Why Legal Representation Matters

Immigration law complexity has increased dramatically since 1980. Professional legal guidance provides:

• Evidence strategy: Knowing which achievements matter most for specific visa categories
• RFE response: Addressing USCIS requests for additional evidence effectively
• Timeline optimization: Sequencing applications to minimize waiting periods
• Risk mitigation: Avoiding errors that trigger denials or delays
• Peace of mind: Focusing on career while attorneys handle immigration complexity

Expert immigration attorneys demonstrate success across thousands of cases with personalized guidance tailored to each applicant's specific situation.

Timeline Expectations

Soon-Shiong's 30-year journey from first immigration to citizenship sets realistic expectations:

• Year 0-3: Initial visa, credential recognition, entry-level positions
• Year 3-7: Career establishment, building evidence for permanent residency
• Year 7-15: Green card application and approval
• Year 15-30: Citizenship eligibility and naturalization

Modern pathways can accelerate timelines through:

• Premium processing for certain visa categories
• Self-petitioning EB-1A and EB-2 NIW avoiding labor certification delays
• Concurrent I-140 and I-485 filing when visa numbers available
• Real-time case tracking through platforms that provide transparency

However, applicants should prepare for multi-year timelines and build careers that succeed regardless of immigration status at any given moment.

The Broader Economic Case for High-Skilled Immigration

Soon-Shiong's story provides quantifiable data supporting skilled immigration policy:

Direct Economic Contributions:

• About $5.4 billion (as of November 2025) in personal wealth creating tax revenue on income, capital gains, and estate
• APP Pharmaceuticals sold for $3.7 billion and Abraxis for $2.9 billion upfront plus up to $1 billion in contingent value rights
• Hundreds of patents contributing to American intellectual property
• Thousands of jobs created through pharmaceutical companies, NantWorks ecosystem, LA Times employment

Civic Investments:

• In 2018, he acquired the LA Times and San Diego Union-Tribune for $500 million in cash and assumed approximately $90 million in pension liabilities
• $100 million guarantee for underserved communities
• Financing and management for six California hospitals in 2017
• Initial $195 million commitment to South African vaccine development (demonstrating circular migration benefits)

Healthcare Impact:

• Abraxane widely used for metastatic breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers
• Pioneering transplant techniques advancing medical science
• Hospital access expansion in healthcare deserts
• Precision medicine innovations through NantWorks companies

His companies generated significant economic activity and tax revenues. This single immigrant—who arrived with belongings in a U-Haul after facing 50% salary discrimination in his birth country—generated more economic value than thousands of average Americans combined. The policy implication is clear: barriers to high-skilled immigration represent economic self-sabotage.

Circular Migration and Maintaining Ties to Countries of Origin

Soon-Shiong challenges the linear "permanent departure" model of immigration through his ongoing South African engagement.

The $195 Million Vaccine Investment

In 2021-2022, Soon-Shiong committed an initial $195 million to South African COVID-19 vaccine development and manufacturing. He opened NantSA, a manufacturing facility producing vaccines for African distribution.

This investment represents circular migration at scale:

• Capital flowing from adopted country (USA) to birth country (South Africa)
• Technology transfer enabling South African pharmaceutical development
• Job creation in both countries (U.S. research teams, South African manufacturing)
• Addressing global health equity while maintaining U.S. business base

Dual Citizenship Enabling Global Impact

As a South African-born American physician and entrepreneur, Soon-Shiong's status allows:

• Business establishment in multiple jurisdictions
• Philanthropic giving across borders
• Family connections maintained in country of origin
• Cultural identity preservation

Immigration service providers should address dual citizenship strategy, cross-border business structures, and tax implications for high-net-worth individuals maintaining ties to multiple countries.

The Case Against Assimilation-Only Narratives

Soon-Shiong's explicit embrace of multicultural identity—African, Asian, and American simultaneously—offers an alternative to traditional assimilation models. His philanthropic focus on healthcare equity connects directly to his apartheid experience, suggesting that maintained cultural memory drives civic contributions.

This challenges the assumption that successful integration requires abandoning origin country connections. Instead, circular migration and dual loyalty may produce greater total value across multiple societies.

How to Start Your Own Immigration Journey with Expert Support

If you're a medical professional, researcher, or entrepreneur with achievements comparable to Soon-Shiong's early career, multiple visa pathways are available.

Assess Your Eligibility

Review your credentials against visa category requirements:

For O-1A Extraordinary Ability:

• Publications in major journals or major media
• Original contributions of major significance
• Authorship of scholarly articles
• Critical or leading role at distinguished organizations
• Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements

For EB-1A Extraordinary Ability:

• International recognition for achievements
• Original scientific or scholarly contributions of major significance
• Authorship of scholarly books or articles
• Judging the work of others in the field
• Evidence of sustained acclaim

For EB-2 NIW National Interest Waiver:

• Advanced degree or exceptional ability
• Proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance
• Well-positioned to advance the endeavor
• Beneficial to waive labor certification requirement

If you meet criteria for multiple categories, immigration attorneys can recommend optimal sequencing—such as O-1A temporary status while building additional evidence for EB-1A green card.

Gather Evidence Systematically

Immigration petitions require extensive documentation:

• Publications: Complete bibliography with citation counts, impact factors, journal rankings
• Recognition: Awards, fellowships, named lectureships, media coverage
• Original contributions: Patents, breakthrough discoveries, clinical innovations
• Critical capacity: Faculty appointments, principal investigator status, leadership positions
• Recommendation letters: From independent experts who can evaluate your impact on the field
• Salary data: Demonstrating high compensation relative to field standards

This evidence gathering takes months. Starting early—ideally years before intended immigration—strengthens applications significantly.

Why Alma's Approach Delivers Results

Alma combines legal expertise with technology to streamline complex immigration cases with personalized guidance at critical decision points and transparent pricing. For entrepreneurs and startup founders with 1-25 foreign nationals, Alma offers streamlined support with flat-rate pricing and fast onboarding—exactly what Soon-Shiong needed in 1980 but didn't have access to.

The immigration process shouldn't be harder than the medical research, scientific breakthroughs, or business building you're already accomplishing. Expert legal support removes obstacles so you can focus on the contributions that will define your American journey.