O-1 Visa Approval Rate 2026: Latest USCIS Data

The O-1 remains one of the most consistently approved work visa categories. USCIS approved 93.9% of O petitions it decided in fiscal year 2025, and 91.2% in the most recent quarter reported, January to March 2026.

O-1 approval rates by period

Period	Approval rate
Fiscal year 2025 (Oct 2024 to Sep 2025)	93.9%
Q4 FY2025 (Jul to Sep 2025)	92.7%
Q1 FY2026 (Oct to Dec 2025)	91.0%
Q2 FY2026 (Jan to Mar 2026)	91.2%

Source: USCIS Form I-129 data for O-category petitions. USCIS reports O-1A and O-1B together, so these figures cover both.

What the numbers mean

A high approval rate does not mean every petition is approved. These figures reflect petitions that were carefully prepared and filed. Your result depends on the strength of your evidence, how well it is documented, and how clearly it shows sustained acclaim in your field.

The rate dipped slightly from FY2025 to early FY2026, but it has stayed above 90% in every period shown.

How the O-1 compares with the EB-1A

The EB-1A green card for extraordinary ability uses a similar standard but has seen a much steeper decline. EB-1A approvals fell from 66.9% in FY2025 to 41.7% in January to March 2026. For many professionals, the O-1 is the more reliable first step, while building the record for a future green card petition.

Requests for Evidence

Roughly one in five O petitions received a Request for Evidence (RFE) in fiscal year 2025. An RFE is not a denial. It is a chance to submit more documentation, and a strong, organized response matters.

How to give your petition the best chance

• Document every achievement with independent evidence: awards, press coverage, publications, contracts, and pay records.
• Get strong recommendation letters from recognized experts in your field.
• Show clearly how your evidence meets at least three of the O-1 criteria.
• Line up your US work in writing before filing.

If you do not have a US employer, an O-1 petitioner can file it for you.

Frequently asked questions

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

USCIS approved 91.0% of O petitions it decided from October to December 2025 and 91.2% from January to March 2026.

Does a high approval rate mean I will be approved?

No. Approval depends on your evidence. The approval rate reflects all decided petitions, including well-prepared ones.

Is the O-1 easier to get than the EB-1A?

Recent USCIS data shows a much higher approval rate for the O-1 than for the EB-1A, which fell to 41.7% in early 2026.

Find out where you stand

Contact O1 Experts for a free consultation. We will review your achievements and tell you honestly how strong your O-1 case looks.