Do I need to submit a tax return to prove a high salary for the EB-1?

No. In the EB-1, a tax return is not a required document to prove high compensation. It may be included as supporting evidence, but it is just one of many elements that USCIS reviews holistically, not a formal requirement of the category.

The EB-1 is designed for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability or a prominent position in their field, and high compensation relative to peers is often one of the possible indicators of that recognition. To support it, you can combine different sources, always prioritizing clear and verifiable documents.

• Contracts, pay stubs, employer letters, or proof of earnings.
• Tax returns, when they help demonstrate consistency over time.
• Market references that contextualize your compensation level within your field.

Each case is evaluated individually, so the ideal approach is to build a coherent body of evidence aligned with your profile. It is worth checking the latest USCIS guidance and, when possible, aligning your documentation strategy with a specialist before filing.

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.