What is the H-1B approval rate?

There is no single fixed official approval rate for the H-1B that applies to all cases. What can be observed is that, among the petitions that pass the initial selection and reach substantive review, the approval rate tends to be relatively high when the petition is well prepared. Even so, this figure varies from year to year depending on the policies and priorities of immigration authorities.

It is important to distinguish between two stages that are often confused. First, because demand generally exceeds available slots, there is a selection process that determines which petitions move forward. Then, for the selected petitions, comes the actual merit review. The approval likelihood appears much higher when looking only at the second stage, and lower when considering the entire process, including the selection phase.

Each case has individual characteristics that weigh on the outcome, such as the employer’s track record, the applicant’s qualifications, and the consistency of the documentation submitted. For this reason, no percentage can be promised: a well-documented case improves the odds, but there are no guarantees.

• Approval depends first on clearing the initial selection.
• Well-prepared petitions tend to perform better during review.
• No outcome is guaranteed, regardless of how strong the profile is.

To understand the current landscape, consult data and requirements at the official source (USCIS) and be wary of any service that promises guaranteed approval.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.