O-1 Visa Approval Rate: Latest USCIS Data and How to Strengthen Your Petition

The O-1 visa approval rate was 91.0% in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, according to the latest data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This rate has stayed about 89% since FY 2020.

What is the O-1 visa approval rate in 2026?

The O-1 visa approval rate was 91.0% in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2026, the most recent data from USCIS. Through this period (October to December 2025), USCIS adjudicated 7,075 O-category petitions, approving 6,436 and denying 639.

USCIS reports these figures for the full O classification on Form I-129, which includes O-1 extraordinary ability petitions along with O-2 support personnel. The agency does not publish more granular data on this.

O-1 visa approval rate trends: FY 2020 to FY 2026

O-1 approval rates have stayed remarkably stable, holding between roughly 90% and 95% for the past six years. The category saw a high of 94.6% in Fiscal Year 2022 and a low of 89.7% in FY 2020.

Source: USCIS. Approval rate equals approved petitions out of total completions. FY 2026 reflects October to December 2025.

A few patterns stand out. First, the number of O petitions completed each year has grown steadily, from about 22,000 in FY2020 to nearly 32,000 in FY2025. More people are choosing the O-1 over other work visa options. Second, denials have stayed low even as filings rose, which is why the approval rate held firm. Third, the softening in early FY2026 is worth watching. The first-quarter rate of 91.0% came alongside a request-for-evidence rate of about 26%, up from roughly 19% a year earlier (USCIS I-129 data), which suggests officers are asking for more documentation before approving. One quarter is not yet a trend, but it points to closer review.

The takeaway for applicants is steady ground. Adjudication standards have stayed consistent, so a petition that clearly meets the criteria has a strong track record of approval.

Why is the O-1 visa approval rate so high?

The O-1 visa keeps a high approval rate because the category filters for strong applicants before a petition is ever filed. Three factors drive this.

Strict eligibility criteria. The O-1 classification is reserved for individuals who can demonstrate extraordinary ability or achievement through specific evidentiary criteria established by USCIS. Because the eligibility standards are relatively demanding and well-defined, O-1 petitions generally involve applicants with substantial records of professional accomplishment and recognition in their field.

Employer or agent sponsorship. O-1 petitions are filed by a U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor rather than by the applicant alone. That sponsorship step reduces the number of weak or unprepared filings.

Heavy documentation. Securing an O-1 is a process. By the time a petition is filed, it usually includes contracts, awards, publications, and recommendation letters. Only serious applicants assemble that kind of record and follow through.

In short, the O-1 attracts strong candidates, and strong petitions get approved. That is the main reason the rate sits well above most other work visa categories.

How do I strengthen my O-1 visa application?

A high overall approval rate does not mean every petition succeeds. The strength of your case is what decides the outcome. Below are tips to focus on.

Unsure if you qualify for the O-1 visa? Check out this webinar about the O-1 visa eligibility criteria, hosted by Manifest Law's Principal Immigration Attorney, Nicole Gunara.

Map your evidence to the USCIS criteria

USCIS lists clear O-1 eligibility criteria, such as major awards, published material about you, original contributions, and a high salary. Address as many categories as you genuinely meet, and tie each piece of evidence to a specific criterion.

Include detailed recommendation letters

Aim for three to five O-1 visa letters of recommendation from respected peers, mentors, or industry authorities. The strongest letters are specific and evidence-based, and they spell out your contributions and impact rather than offering general praise.

Document the full scope of your achievements

Include awards, published work, research, media coverage, and any other proof of your standing in your field. The more clearly you show your record, the easier it is for an officer to approve your case.

Work with an immigration attorney

The O-1 process has many moving parts, and a small misstep can trigger a request for evidence or a denial. An experienced attorney can structure your petition to meet USCIS standards and help your case stand out.

Build a strong O-1 visa case with Manifest Law

The O-1 visa approval rate is high, but the strength of your petition is what determines your result. Mapping your evidence to the eligibility criteria, documenting your achievements clearly, and gathering detailed recommendation letters all improve your odds, as does working with an experienced immigration attorney.

At Manifest Law, our attorneys have helped thousands of professionals secure O-1 visas across a wide range of industries. Our team knows how to build your O-1 petition from the ground up and position it for a strong chance of success.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation today to learn how Manifest Law can help.

FAQs about O-1 visa approval rates

What is the current O-1 visa approval rate?

The O-1 approval rate was 93.9% in fiscal year 2025, based on USCIS I-129 data. First-quarter FY2026 figures show it easing to 91.0%. The rate has stayed between roughly 90% and 95% every year since FY2020.

Are O-1 visas easier to get than other work visas?

Not exactly. A high approval rate does not make the O-1 easy. The visa is only available to people who can show extraordinary ability or achievement, which most applicants cannot demonstrate. Meeting the requirements is the hard part. Once you do, approval becomes more likely.

How long does it take to get an O-1 visa?

The time it takes to secure an O-1 visa can range from a few months to more than a year. Building your portfolio can take three to 12 months, preparing and filing the petition takes two to three months, and USCIS processing runs about four to six months for standard service. Premium processing, for an added fee, returns a decision in 15 business days.

What causes an O-1 visa denial?

Common reasons include failing to meet the eligibility criteria, thin evidence of extraordinary ability or achievement, weak or too few recommendation letters, and paperwork errors. An experienced immigration attorney can help you avoid these and build a stronger petition.