- Total STEM and non-STEM-related approvals in 2023 were at 9,490 from a total of 10,010 receipts - USCIS data shows exceptional success rates for properly prepared O-1 petitions
- Processing guaranteed within 15 business days with premium service - For $2,805, applicants receive expedited decisions, while standard processing takes 4-6 months
- 10,010 O-1A petitions filed in FY 2023 with 92% approval - Growing demand for extraordinary ability visas shows 29% year-over-year increase from 2021 to 2022
- STEM fields dominate with 4,560 approvals - Nearly half of all O-1A approvals go to technology and science professionals, reflecting modern workforce demands
- Initial status granted for up to 3 years - Generous duration allows long-term planning with straightforward extension options maintaining high approval rates
Comprehensive USCIS data analysis revealing approval rates, processing times, and success metrics for extraordinary ability visa applicants
Overall Approval Success Metrics
- Total O-1A STEM and non-STEM-related approvals in 2023 were at 9,490 from a total of 10,010 receipts. USCIS administrative data demonstrates that 9,490 O-1A petitions achieved approval from 10,010 receipts in fiscal year 2023. This exceptional success rate positions the O-1 as one of the most reliable paths to U.S. work authorization for qualified individuals. The high approval percentage reflects both the quality of applications and the clear criteria USCIS applies to extraordinary ability cases.
- 92% approval rate maintained specifically for O-1A petitions in FY 2023. The sciences and business category shows particularly strong performance with 92% of O-1A petitions approved in fiscal year 2023. This consistency across recent years indicates stable adjudication standards that experienced attorneys can reliably navigate. Alma's O-1A visa services leverage this predictability to achieve even higher success rates through meticulous preparation.
Processing Timeline Statistics
- 15 business days guaranteed processing with premium service at $2,805. USCIS guarantees decision or RFE issuance within 15 business days for premium processing requests of most classifications accompanied by the $2,805 fee. This expedited timeline transforms months of uncertainty into weeks of predictable progress. The premium option proves invaluable for time-sensitive employment situations or visa status transitions.
- 4-6 months typical pre-filing processing time for standard O-1 applications. Pre-filing processing for O-1 applications typically requires 4-6 months for O-1 petitions without premium service. This extended timeline necessitates advance planning and strategic filing dates. Alma's platform helps companies track these timelines and plan accordingly for incoming talent.
- Two USCIS service centers handle all O-1 processing: California and Vermont. All O-1 petitions route through just two service centers - California and Vermont - for adjudication. Nebraska and Texas service centers process I-129 and I-129F for K3/K4 visas, while Potomac only processes I-129F for K3/K4.
Application Volume & Growth Trends
- 29% increase in O-1A petition receipts from FY 2021 to FY 2022. Demand for extraordinary ability visas surged with 29% growth in O-1A filings between fiscal years 2021 and 2022. This dramatic increase reflects both economic recovery and growing awareness of O-1 advantages over cap-subject visas. Startup immigration plans increasingly rely on O-1 visas to secure international talent.
- 10,010 total O-1A petitions received by USCIS in Fiscal Year 2023. The aggregate filing volume reached 10,010 O-1A petitions in FY 2023, marking sustained high demand. This substantial volume demonstrates the visa's critical role in U.S. talent acquisition strategies. Companies using Alma's business platform efficiently manage multiple O-1 cases within this growing pool.
- 4,560 STEM-related O-1A approvals constitute nearly half of all approvals. Technology and science professionals dominated with 4,560 STEM field approvals in FY 2023. This concentration reflects Silicon Valley's influence and the tech industry's reliance on international expertise. STEM professionals find particularly strong support through specialized legal guidance.
Evidence Requirements & RFE Patterns
- Up to 3 years initial O-1 status duration permitted by USCIS. Initial O-1 grants can extend up to 3 years based on contract duration and project timelines. This generous initial period provides stability for both employees and employers planning long-term projects. The extended duration reduces administrative burden compared to shorter-term visa categories.
Financial Investment & Market Dynamics
- $2,805 premium processing fee increased from $2,500 in February 2024. USCIS raised premium processing fees to $2,805, reflecting inflation adjustments. Despite the increase, demand for expedited processing remains strong given the time value of faster decisions. Alma's pricing includes transparent fee structures helping clients budget for all costs.
- 4,380 non-STEM O-1A approvals demonstrate diverse professional eligibility. Beyond technology, 4,380 approvals went to non-STEM fields including business, education, and athletics. This breadth proves O-1 accessibility across industries for truly exceptional talent. Executives and managers increasingly leverage O-1 status for international assignments.
- 180 days minimum wait recommended before administrative processing inquiries. State Department guidance suggests waiting at least 180 days before inquiring about administrative processing delays. This extended timeline affects consular processing cases requiring security clearances. Understanding these potential delays helps set realistic expectations for international travel and visa stamping.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most recent USCIS data shows 9,490 approvals from 10,010 receipts for O-1A visas in fiscal year 2023, with O-1A specifically maintaining 92% approval. These exceptional success rates make O-1 one of the most reliable work visa options for qualified individuals. Alma's immigration services achieve even higher 99%+ approval rates through expert preparation and comprehensive documentation strategies.
Standard O-1 processing takes 4-6 months at USCIS service centers, while premium processing guarantees response within 15 business days for an additional $2,805 fee. Most employers opt for premium processing to secure talent quickly and minimize uncertainty. The investment in faster processing often pays for itself through earlier start dates and reduced administrative overhead.
While specific country breakdowns aren't published annually, USCIS data shows strong representation from countries with robust STEM education systems and entertainment industries. The 4,560 STEM-related approvals suggest significant participation from India, China, and other technology hubs. International founders from diverse backgrounds successfully obtain O-1 status with proper legal support.
While specific conversion statistics aren't publicly available, O-1 holders commonly transition to permanent residence through EB-1A or EB-2 NIW pathways given similar extraordinary ability criteria. Alma's EB-1/EB-2 services are offered at $7,000 for approved O-1 holders, recognizing the natural progression. The evidence compiled for O-1 approval often substantially supports subsequent green card petitions.
O-1 extensions typically maintain high approval rates similar to initial petitions, as evidenced by the consistent 91-94% overall approval rates across years. Extensions can be granted in one-year increments with no maximum limit for continued qualifying employment. Alma's platform helps companies track extension deadlines and maintain compliance throughout the employment relationship.
Pegah Karimabakhsh Asli is an Associate Attorney at Alma, where she advises startups, founders, and enterprise clients on a wide range of employment-based immigration matters. She has extensive experience preparing and filing petitions across key categories, including TN, H-1B, L-1, O-1, EB-1, NIW, and Adjustment of Status (AOS), and provides strategic counsel to clients navigating complex immigration pathways.
Before joining Alma, Pegah worked at Fragomen in Silicon Valley, where she supported multinational corporations and high-growth companies with business immigration strategy and case management.
Jihan (Jina Hassan) Merlin is an Immigration Attorney and Head of Immigration Strategy at Alma, where she leads efforts to build smarter, faster, and more human immigration solutions. With over a decade of experience advising individuals, startups, and Fortune 100 companies, she combines legal expertise with technology to design scalable immigration programs. A graduate of Boston College Law School, Jihan is passionate about innovation in process and improving every stage of the immigration journey.
Want to fast-track your immigration journey?
.png)
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
