EB-1A Approval and Denial Rates: A Look at the USCIS Data
Over the past four years, the EB-1A immigrant visa program — often called the "Extraordinary Ability" or "Talent Visa" — has seen an unprecedented surge in interest. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) quarterly data, the number of EB-1A petitions filed has tripled: from roughly 2,500 filings in October–December 2021 to nearly 7,500 filings between April and June 2025. This surge reflects growing interest in fast-track green card options for highly skilled professionals, particularly in science, technology, and entrepreneurship..
However, at the same time, the approval rate has declined. Between April and June 2025, approximately 67% of petitions were approved—significantly lower than in previous years. According to immigration analytics platform Lawfully, approval rates may have fallen to around 50% in recent months. Although these estimates are based on user-generated analytics rather than official USCIS data, the trend suggests a more stringent adjudication approach and a stricter evaluation of evidence supporting claims of extraordinary ability.
Experts note that the "Talent Visa" category is becoming increasingly competitive. As the volume of petitions continues to grow, immigration officers are applying greater scrutiny to applicants' international recognition, the originality of their contributions, and the tangible impact of their achievements. As a result, petitioners must place greater emphasis on the quality of their evidentiary record—including media publications, citations, recommendation letters from recognized experts, and well-documented professional contributions—to maximize their chances of approval in an increasingly competitive adjudication environment.