O-1 Visa Approval Rate (2026): The Latest USCIS Data
Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by Talia Harari, Attorney · About 7 min read
The O-1 has one of the higher approval rates among U.S. work visas. The numbers below are based on USCIS I-129 data, and they show why a well-built petition matters far more than the standard being out of reach.
Key takeaways
- The O-1 approval rate was around 93.9% in fiscal year 2025, based on USCIS data.
- Roughly 30,000 O-1 petitions were approved that year.
- Early fiscal year 2026 figures show the rate easing toward the low 90s.
- Most denials trace back to a thin evidence record, not the standard itself.
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O-1 approval rate by the numbers
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Approval rate, FY2025 | ~93.9% |
| Petitions approved, FY2025 | ~30,000 |
| Approval rate, early FY2026 | ~91% |
| O-1A approval rate, FY2025 | ~86.7% (varies by service center) |
Figures are drawn from USCIS I-129 petition data and shift slightly each quarter. We refresh this page as new data is released.
Why the O-1 approval rate is so high
The high rate is partly self-selecting. People and attorneys usually only file when the evidence is strong, so weak cases are filtered out before they reach USCIS. The lesson is not that approval is automatic, but that preparation is everything. RFEs are common, and how well you answer one often decides the case.
Top reasons O-1 petitions get denied
- Too few criteria clearly met, or evidence that does not tie to a specific criterion.
- A weak or generic advisory opinion instead of a detailed, field-specific one.
- Unclear sponsorship or itinerary, especially in agent-filed cases.
- Comparable-evidence arguments that are not well explained.
Nearly all of these are avoidable with a careful, well-documented petition.
Review the O-1 requirements and criteria →
Back to the full O-1 visa guide →
Frequently asked questions
What is the O-1 visa approval rate?
It was around 93.9% in fiscal year 2025 based on USCIS data, with early fiscal year 2026 figures easing toward the low 90s.
Is the O-1 visa hard to approve?
The approval rate is high, but that reflects strong, self-selected filings. A thin evidence record is the most common reason for denial.
Do O-1 petitions get RFEs?
Yes, Requests for Evidence are common. A clear, well-documented petition reduces the chance of one, and a strong RFE response often decides the case.
IAVRS is an immigration attorney matching service, not a law firm. This guide is general information, not legal advice, and figures are approximate. For advice on your specific case, we will match you with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney.