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How do I cite ‘high salary’ if I am a freelancer?

Freelancers can also demonstrate the EB-1 high remuneration criterion: tax returns, contracts, and market benchmarks put your income in context. Learn how to organize this evidence.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 21, 2026
1 min read
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Yes, a freelancer can demonstrate the high remuneration criterion for the EB-1. Because there is no traditional employer relationship, the evidence comes from documentation of your income and a comparison with the standard rates in your field.

The goal is to show that your earnings are high relative to what is typical in your area, contextualizing the figures rather than simply presenting them. Useful documents for this include:

  • Tax returns and bank statements that reflect your income flow.
  • Contracts with notable clients and proof of payment.
  • Invoices issued consistently and a solid portfolio.
  • Market studies or industry association data that serve as a benchmark for comparison.

These records help position your remuneration as equal to or above that of leading professionals in your field. Keep everything organized and up to date, and it is worth checking the updated criteria on the USCIS website and reviewing your case with a specialist.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

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.

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How do I cite ‘high salary’ if I am a freelancer?

Freelancers can also demonstrate the EB-1 high remuneration criterion: tax returns, contracts, and market benchmarks put your income in context. Learn how to organize this evidence.

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