What Is the Approval Rate for I-751?
The approval rate for Form I‑751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) is very high, typically around 95–97% for joint petitions filed by married couples, with denials comprising just 3–5% of cases.
Key Data & Statistics
- In Q4 of fiscal year 2023, a total of 119,672 I‑751 petitions were adjudicated, with 5,531 denials, yielding an approximate denial rate of ~4.6% and an approval rate close to 95.4%
- Older USCIS trends reinforce similar rates: one industry source noted a ~5% denial rate overall for I‑751 filings.
- A user‐shared statistic from VisaJourney referencing USCIS data showed a year-to-date approval rate of 96.3%, and 96.6% for Q2 of that year.
Real-World Perspective & Waived Interviews
- According to immigration attorneys and community feedback (e.g. on Avvo), joint I‑751 petitions are rarely scheduled for interviews—most approvals are issued based solely on the submitted documentation.
Also, read >> Does I-751 Require an Interview?
Common Reasons for Denial
The small share of denials typically stems from:
- Insufficient evidence of a bona fide marriage
- Filing errors or improper documentation
- Failure to respond to an RFE or appear for biometrics/interview
- Filing separately via waiver routes (e.g., divorce, abuse, hardship), which have higher denial rates due to added complexities
Also, read >> What Evidence Is Needed for Removal of Conditions in I-751?
Summary Table
| Petition Type | Approx. Approval Rate | Denial Rate |
| Joint I‑751 (married couples) | ~95–97% | ~3–5% |
| Waiver-based filings (divorce/abuse/hardship) | Lower; varies | Higher |
Also, read >>How To Prove Extreme Hardship in Immigration?
Final Thoughts
Most properly filed joint I‑751 petitions backed by solid evidence of a genuine marriage are approved without requiring an interview, with approval rates well over 95%. Denials are uncommon and usually tied to missing documentation or procedural issues.
If you’re doing a waiver filing (due to divorce, abuse, or hardship), you should expect a stricter review process and a somewhat higher denial risk. Ensuring you include compelling, organized documentation and respond promptly to any USCIS requests significantly improves your odds.
