USCIS has reported a notable increase in the scrutiny of EB-1A visa applications, with filings rising by 53.6% from Q1–Q3 2024 to Q1–Q3 2025. This surge in applications has also led to a doubling of pending cases and an increase in final merits denials, indicating a shift in the adjudication process for these visas.
Key Details:
- EB-1A filings increased by 53.6% in the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
- The number of pending EB-1A cases nearly doubled during this timeframe.
- Final merits denials for EB-1A applications have risen, even for applicants meeting multiple criteria.
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs) remain common, emphasizing the need for comprehensive documentation.
The data suggests that simply meeting the criteria for EB-1A is no longer sufficient; applicants must now demonstrate sustained acclaim at the highest levels of their fields. This trend has been observed where O-1A approvals were granted using the same credentials that led to EB-1A denials. As such, applicants are advised to adopt a more strategic approach when preparing their cases or responding to RFEs.
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Source: r/eb_1a