WHAT IS THE APPROVAL RATE OF AN O-1 VISA?
The O-1 visa is one of the most sought-after work visas for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, arts, business, education, and athletics. Given its stringent requirements, many applicants wonder about their chances of approval.
Historically, the O-1 visa has maintained a high approval rate, consistently hovering around 90% or higher over the past several years. However, factors such as policy changes, the field of expertise, and overall application trends can influence approval rates.
In this article, we’ll explore recent O-1 visa approval statistics, trends in application growth, and what these numbers mean for potential applicants.
O-1 Visa Approval Rates Over the Past Three Years
Over the last three fiscal years, O visa approval rates have remained strong, though there has been slight fluctuation:
The drop in 2020 was an exception, likely influenced by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and increased immigration scrutiny. Despite this, the approval rate quickly rebounded in 2021 and has remained above 90% ever since.
It is important to note that these figures include all O visa categories, including:
Increasing O-1A Visa Applications and Approvals
In recent years, O-1A visa petitions have significantly increased, particularly in STEM-related fields. From FY 2021 to FY 2023, the number of O-1A receipts and approvals grew steadily:
STEM vs. Non-STEM O-1A Approvals
STEM-related O-1A approvals have seen significant growth in the past few years. From FY 2021 to FY 2023:
This data indicates that while STEM-related O-1A applications are growing at a faster rate, non-STEM applications are also seeing steady approval increases.
What These Numbers Mean for O-1 Visa Applicants
The O-1 visa remains one of the most reliable work visas, with approval rates consistently above 90%. However, these statistics highlight key trends:
For those considering an O-1 visa, thoroughly preparing your application and providing substantial evidence of extraordinary ability remains the best way to increase your chances of approval.
If you are considering applying for an O-1 visa, ensuring that your petition is well-prepared and supported by strong evidence can help you navigate the process successfully. For those unsure about their eligibility, consulting an experienced immigration attorney can provide valuable guidance.
Historically, the O-1 visa has maintained a high approval rate, consistently hovering around 90% or higher over the past several years. However, factors such as policy changes, the field of expertise, and overall application trends can influence approval rates.
In this article, we’ll explore recent O-1 visa approval statistics, trends in application growth, and what these numbers mean for potential applicants.
O-1 Visa Approval Rates Over the Past Three Years
Over the last three fiscal years, O visa approval rates have remained strong, though there has been slight fluctuation:
- 2021: 91.4% approval rate
- 2020: 89.7% approval rate (the lowest in five years)
- 2019: 90.8% approval rate
The drop in 2020 was an exception, likely influenced by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and increased immigration scrutiny. Despite this, the approval rate quickly rebounded in 2021 and has remained above 90% ever since.
It is important to note that these figures include all O visa categories, including:
- O-1 Visa – For individuals with extraordinary ability in their field.
- O-2 Visa – For essential support personnel accompanying O-1 visa holders.
- O-3 Visa – For spouses and children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.
Increasing O-1A Visa Applications and Approvals
In recent years, O-1A visa petitions have significantly increased, particularly in STEM-related fields. From FY 2021 to FY 2023, the number of O-1A receipts and approvals grew steadily:
- FY 2021 to FY 2022: O-1A applications increased by 29%, from 7,710 to 9,970.
- FY 2022 to FY 2023: Applications increased slightly from 9,970 to 10,010.
- FY 2021 to FY 2022: Approvals increased by 25%, from 7,320 to 9,120.
- FY 2022 to FY 2023: Approvals increased slightly from 9,120 to 9,490.
STEM vs. Non-STEM O-1A Approvals
STEM-related O-1A approvals have seen significant growth in the past few years. From FY 2021 to FY 2023:
- STEM-related O-1A approvals increased by 33% from FY 2022 to FY 2023.
- From FY 2021 to FY 2022, STEM-related approvals increased 29%, from 3,550 to 4,570.
- From FY 2022 to FY 2023, approvals remained stable at 4,560.
- Approvals increased by 21% from 3,410 in FY 2021 to 4,140 in FY 2022.
- Approvals continued to increase slightly from 4,140 in FY 2022 to 4,380 in FY 2023.
This data indicates that while STEM-related O-1A applications are growing at a faster rate, non-STEM applications are also seeing steady approval increases.
What These Numbers Mean for O-1 Visa Applicants
The O-1 visa remains one of the most reliable work visas, with approval rates consistently above 90%. However, these statistics highlight key trends:
- STEM applicants are increasing significantly in the O-1A category, reflecting the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in science and technology.
- Overall application volume is rising, which could lead to greater scrutiny from USCIS in the future.
- Approval rates have remained stable, indicating that qualified applicants with strong documentation continue to succeed.
For those considering an O-1 visa, thoroughly preparing your application and providing substantial evidence of extraordinary ability remains the best way to increase your chances of approval.
If you are considering applying for an O-1 visa, ensuring that your petition is well-prepared and supported by strong evidence can help you navigate the process successfully. For those unsure about their eligibility, consulting an experienced immigration attorney can provide valuable guidance.
MEET YOUR NEW ATTORNEY
Marcus Yi, Esq. provides personalized immigration law representation for both employment and family based immigration matters. An artist himself, Mr. Yi understands the unique nature of the arts industry, and is fully qualified to provide the best service for artists seeking to work in the United States.
He has represented corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals, in the process of obtaining temporary visas for work, study and training, lawful permanent residence (a “green card”) and U.S. citizenship. He advises employers and individuals on all phases of immigration applications, from screening prospective hires to identifying visa strategies for new jobs and career transitions, through employment-based paths to permanent residence and naturalization.
Marcus Yi graduated from St John’s University School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 2011. He is a member of the New York State Bar and is licensed to practice in State and Federal court. He is also a NYC member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association New York Chapter.
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Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are devoted to guiding you through US immigration law so contact us today to schedule a consultation.