O-1 Visa Approval Rate: What the Numbers Say (and How to Boost Your Chances of Approval)

The O-1 visa is one of the most powerful U.S. visa options for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. But, in many ways, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. 

Many people assume that criteria like “extraordinary ability” and “extraordinary achievement” mean the visa is next to impossible to get. But the truth is, the O-1 visa has a relatively high approval rate. And that’s especially true for applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and take the time and care to effectively prepare their petitions.

But what does “relatively high approval rate” actually mean? Let’s take a deep dive into the O-1 visa approval rate, including why approval rates are generally high for this visa type, historic and current approval rates for O-1 visas, and tips for increasing your chances of success.

What Is the Current O-1 Visa Approval Rate? 

For Fiscal Year 2024 (the most current annual data available), the approval rate for O-1 visas was approximately 94.6%. 

Historically, the O-1 visa has had consistently high approval rates, according to data from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Nonimmigrant Visa Statistics. These figures reflect a stable pattern in adjudication outcomes over recent years.

Here’s a look at the overall O-1 visa approval rates from 2020 to 2024:

Why Is the O-1 Visa Approval Rate High?

The O-1 visa tends to have high approval rates for a variety of reasons, including:

• It has strict eligibility criteria. The O-1 has very clear (and very strict) visa requirements; it’s clear who does (and doesn’t) meet the eligibility criteria for O-1 status. These strict requirements can deter unqualified applicants from petitioning for the visa, leaving only qualified applicants with a high chance of approval, thus increasing the approval rate.
• It’s employment-based and (often) employer-sponsored. Unlike some self-petitioned visas, O-1 petitions are filed by a U.S.-based agent, employer, or sponsor. This again reduces the risk of frivolous or unqualified applications, leaving only applicants who are highly qualified and likely to get approved.
• It requires significant documentation. Securing an O-1 visa is a process. By the time an O-1 petition is filed, it typically includes extensive supporting evidence, such as contracts, awards, publications, and recommendation letters. Only qualified applications will be able to assemble this kind of documentation and continue with the O-1 visa application process.

Essentially, O-1 visas attract strong applicants. And strong applications tend to be approved, leading to a higher-than-most approval rate.

How to Increase Your Chances of O-1 Visa Approval

The O-1 visa has a high overall approval rate. But that doesn’t mean every application is approved! If you want to secure an O-1 visa, a strong petition is an absolute must.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you strengthen your position and increase your chances of getting approved for the O-1 visa:

1. Know the Criteria

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines clear O-1 eligibility criteria, including evidence of extraordinary ability and/or extraordinary achievement in your field (like distinguished awards, international acclaim, scholarly articles, and/or major media coverage). To increase your chances of approval, make sure to directly address as many of these categories as possible in your petition.

2. Include Detailed Recommendation Letters

Expert letters from respected professionals in your field can go a long way in strengthening your case and upping your chances for O-1 visa approval. Aim for three to five letters from respected peers, colleagues, mentors, or industry authorities that are specific, evidence-based, and clearly outline your contributions and impact.

3. Showcase Your Talents and Abilities

The more compelling your petition, the higher the likelihood that it will get approved. The best way to make your application more compelling is to include as much evidence as possible of your extraordinary ability/achievement, and to write about your accomplishments in a way that makes the USCIS officer want to approve your case.

Include any and all documentation that supports your extraordinary claim, like industry awards, accolades, published materials (like scholarly articles or research papers), and/or media coverage. Now is not the time to be humble! 

The more evidence you can provide of your standing within your industry or field of expertise, the more convinced USCIS will be of your status—and the higher the likelihood your petition will get approved.

4. Work with an Immigration Attorney

Petitioning for an O-1 visa can be complex and overwhelming. With so many details and requirements, rules, and regulations, it’s just not a process that lends itself well to a DIY approach. 

An experienced immigration attorney can walk you through the entire O-1 visa process, answering questions and offering guidance, support, and legal advice. An O-1 visa lawyer can also help you structure your petition in a way that not only aligns with USCIS standards, but helps you stand apart from other applicants and increases your chances of visa approval.

Increase Your Chance of Visa Approval With Manifest Law

The O-1 visa approval rate is high. But again, that doesn’t mean every application will get approved. The strength of your petition matters. A lot. 

Understanding the eligibility criteria (and speaking to it in your petition), clearly documenting your talents, achievements, and contributions to your industry, and assembling detailed recommendation letters can all dramatically improve your chances—as can working with an experienced O-1 visa lawyer.

At Manifest Law, our attorneys have helped thousands of creative professionals secure O-1 visas across a wide range of industries. Our team knows the ins and outs of the entire visa application and approval process and can help you build a compelling petition with a high chance of success.

Ready to build a strong O-1 visa petition? Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how Manifest Law can help!

FAQs: O-1 Visa Approval Rate

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

Not necessarily. Just because the O-1 visa has a high approval rate doesn’t mean they’re “easier” to get compared to another visa category. O-1 visas are unique in their eligibility criteria; they are only available to those who can demonstrate “extraordinary ability” or “extraordinary achievement,” which doesn’t apply to the vast majority of people. So, it could be said that it’s more challenging to meet the requirements for an O-1 visa. But if you do meet those requirements, it can be easier to get approved. 

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

The time it takes to secure an O-1 visa can range anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on your starting point. Different stages include building your portfolio (three to 12 months), working with a U.S. sponsor and immigration lawyer to prepare and file your petition (two to three months), and USCIS visa processing time (standard processing generally ranges from four to six months while premium processing, which requires an additional fee, gets a response from USCIS in 15 business days).

What causes an O-1 visa denial?

O-1 visas can get denied for a variety of reasons, like failure to meet eligibility criteria, insufficient evidence of extraordinary ability or achievement, too few and/or poorly written letters of recommendation, or paperwork mistakes. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help you build a strong petition, minimizing the risk of visa denial.