EB-2 NIW dropped from 80% to 54%. EB-1A at 67%. H-1B selection up to 25.8%. Data-driven strategies for the new landscape.
16th December 2025
The immigration landscape has changed significantly over the past 18 months. These aren't minor fluctuations. They're fundamental shifts that affect case selection, client counseling, and overall practice strategy.
What's particularly striking is the divergence between nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories. Nonimmigrant work visas remain strong with approval rates above 90%. But green card petitions tell a different story, with EB-1A dropping to 67% and EB-2 NIW collapsing to 54%.
The gap between O-1A (93.8% approval) and EB-1A (67% approval) has widened considerably, despite similar evidentiary criteria. Understanding why matters for every case you evaluate.
Current Approval Rates at a Glance
Here's how the major visa categories compare in the current environment. The data comes directly from official USCIS quarterly reports and Form I-140/I-129 RAPD summaries.
EB-2 NIW dropped from 80% to 54%. EB-1A at 67%. H-1B selection up to 25.8%. Data-driven strategies for the new landscape.
Source: USCIS Quarterly Reports, Form I-140/I-129 RAPD Summaries
What's Driving These Changes
Several factors are contributing to the current adjudication environment:
Filing volumes surged following the 2022 guidance that broadened NIW eligibility interpretation. USCIS received a flood of applications, many from candidates who wouldn't have qualified under previous standards. The agency responded by tightening scrutiny.
Adjudicators are demanding more concrete evidence of national importance and measurable impact. General claims about field contributions no longer suffice. Petitioners need specific metrics, policy connections, and documented outcomes.
RFE rates have increased across green card categories, extending processing times and requiring attorneys to front-load evidence more comprehensively than ever before.
H-1B Lottery: The Good News
The H-1B program saw positive changes with beneficiary-centric selection reforms. The elimination of duplicate registrations created a fairer lottery with significantly better odds for legitimate candidates.
What's Inside the 21-Page Guide
Current approval rates across all major categories with quarter-over-quarter trends
RFE patterns and prevention strategies specific to each visa type
Geographic and demographic patterns affecting case outcomes
Evidence-based case selection criteria with probability assessments
Strategic recommendations for building stronger petitions
Detailed FAQ section covering the most common questions
1%
1%
Faster Results
18%
18%
Client Satisfaction
1+
1+
Law Firm's Trust
Stop Guessing. Start Making Data-Driven Decisions.
The data comes directly from official USCIS quarterly reports. The strategy comes from analyzing what separates approvals from denials in today's environment.
Quick answers to your questions.