L-1 Visa Approval Rate: 2026 Update
- The combined L-1A and L-1B approval rate for FY 2025 was approximately 92%, the highest rate in the past six years.
- Q4 of FY 2025 saw a slight dip in approval to 90.6%, continuing a gradual decline through the second half of the fiscal year.
- L-1 approval rates have risen steadily from about 75% in FY 2020, driven partly by shifts in case mix and adjudication patterns.
In 2026, L-1 visa approval rates are over 90% for both L-1A and L-1B visas, according to USCIS data. This makes the L-1 a strong option for managers and executives who meet the eligibility requirements of this nonimmigrant work visa.
What is the L-1 visa approval rate in April 2026?
According to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the combined L-1A and L-1B visa approval rate for the full Fiscal Year 2025 is 92%. USCIS adjudicated 38,433 L-1 visa petitions over the full year, approving 35,364 and denying 3,069.
In Q4 of FY 2025 (July through September)—the most recent data available—the L-1 approval rate was slightly lower at 90.56%, with 9,888 petitions adjudicated, 8,955 approved, and 933 denied. This represents a slight dip from Q3, when the approval rate was 92.37%.
Note: This data is based on petitions that have already been adjudicated. Approval rates are subject to change.
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Historical L-1 approval rates
L-1 approval rates have climbed steadily over the past five years. In FY 2020, just under 75% of L-1 petitions were approved. By FY 2025, that figure had risen to 92%, which is the highest rate in the past six years.
These rates apply to Form I-129 filings for nonimmigrant workers seeking an L-1A visa or L-1B visa, which USCIS breaks out separately.
| Fiscal Year | Petitions Adjudicated | Petitions Approved | Petitions Denied | Approval Rate |
| FY 2025 (Full Year) | 38,433 | 35,364 | 3,069 | 92.01% |
| FY 2025 Q4, Jul–Sep) | 9,888 | 8,955 | 933 | 90.56% |
| FY 2024 | 31,867 | 28,830 | 4,031 | 90.47% |
| FY 2023 | 37,597 | 32,728 | 4,869 | 87.05% |
| FY 2022 | 46,389 | 38,773 | 7,616 | 83.58% |
| FY 2021 | 41,436 | 32,888 | 8,548 | 79.37% |
| FY 2020 | 34,655 | 25,956 | 8,699 | 74.90% |
Source: USCIS Immigration and Citizenship Data
Why L-1 approval rates change year to year
L-1 approval rates are influenced by policy, workload, economic conditions, and the types of cases being filed.
- Policy and adjudication priorities: When there are shifts in USCIS guidance, enforcement priorities, or internal training, you may see changes in Request for Evidence (RFE) rates and denials, especially around what qualifies as specialized knowledge for an L-1B.
- Volume and processing capacity: When it receives more petitions or has a larger backlog of cases, USCIS may triage differently, issue more RFEs, or take longer to process cases, which can change the mix of outcomes recorded in a given year.
- Economic and hiring cycles: When the economy tightens, employers may file fewer edge cases and more straightforward extensions. This can raise overall approval rates. Conversely, there may be more first-time or fast-growth cases in a booming economy, which can make approval rates dip.
- Case mix (new vs. continuing filings): Approval rates often look different for new employment vs. extensions. If one category grows faster than the other, the overall rate can shift.
- Industry trends and job design: Some roles or certain job description patterns are more likely to trigger questions. As job titles and duties evolve, USCIS scrutiny can shift with it. In FY 2025, L-1B petitions saw RFE rates climb to 26%—higher than the L-1A RFE rate of 24%.
Make sense of your approval odds with Manifest Law
The L-1 process is complex, and your approval odds depend on your specific role, background, and employer. The best way to understand your chances is to speak with an experienced L-1 visa attorney.
At Manifest Law, our team will evaluate your situation, work to strengthen your petition, and help you build a long-term immigration strategy aligned with your goals.
Request a consultation today to get started.
L-1 visa approval rate FAQs
Are L-1 extensions easier to approve?
L-1 extensions can be more straightforward because USCIS is reviewing an existing role that was already approved. However, they’re not automatic. Changes in duties, wages, location, or employer structure since the original petition can trigger additional scrutiny. USCIS may also issue an RFE if the extension petition doesn’t clearly show that the role and qualifications still meet L-1 requirements. In FY 2025, about 1 in 4 completed L-1 cases received an RFE, so even extensions should be filed with thorough, up-to-date documentation.
Do RFEs mean L-1 visa denial?
No. A Request for Evidence (RFE) simply means USCIS needs more information to make a decision. Many L-1 petitions are approved after a strong RFE response.
Does premium processing help L-1 visa approval?
No. Premium processing speeds up the review of your petition to 15 business days, but it does not increase your odds of approval.
