I charged around 2,000 per lecture at paid workshops: does that count as a ‘high salary’ for the EB-1?

In the EB-1 extraordinary ability category, the criterion often referred to as high salary is not resolved by an absolute number. What matters is the comparison: is your compensation high relative to other professionals doing similar work, in your field and at your level?

For that reason, charging a given amount per lecture, as in your case, does not answer the question on its own. The same figure can be considered elevated in one field and unremarkable in another. What helps support this point is context, for example:

• Comparative data showing the range typically paid in your field.
• The size and reputation of the events at which you were paid to speak.
• Documents and testimonials confirming your compensation and recognition.

It is worth noting that high salary is only one of the possible elements for demonstrating extraordinary ability. It tends to carry more weight when combined with other evidence, such as awards, publications, participation on panels or committees, and a prominent role in your field. Each case is evaluated individually by USCIS.

To determine whether your compensation history supports this criterion, review the updated requirements at the official source (USCIS) or assess your profile with a specialist.

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.