Filings and approvals for O-1A visas and national interest waivers have surged following the Biden administration’s 2022 immigration guidance. The guidance aimed to attract high-skilled talent in STEM fields by clarifying eligibility and easing the process. Data shows a significant rise in applications and approvals for both O-1A visas and national interest waivers since 2021. While the approval rate for O-1A visas has remained high, national interest waivers have seen increased scrutiny and a recent drop in approval rates. Experts attribute this trend to better adjudications and a continued interest in self-petitioning among high-skilled professionals.