USCIS Processing Time Update June 2026: Q1 FY2026 Approval Rate Data Released

USCIS has published its first quarter approval rate data for Fiscal Year 2026, covering the period from October through December 2025. The release provides an early snapshot of how the agency is adjudicating employment-based petitions in the new fiscal year. The Q1 data highlights approval trends across several high-skilled immigration categories, including O-1 extraordinary ability visas, EB-1A (first preference employment-based) petitions, and EB-2 National Interest Waivers. These categories are often leading indicators of broader adjudication posture at USCIS. For EB-3 applicants and those tracking employment-based green card timelines, USCIS approval rate data is a key metric. Shifts in approval rates across related categories can signal changes in evidentiary standards, staffing levels, or agency priorities that may eventually affect EB-3 processing as well. Applicants and practitioners are encouraged to review the full dataset to assess how approval patterns may inform petition strategy and filing timelines heading into the remainder of FY2026.