I earn US$ 200 mil a year, but the Silicon Valley average is US$ 180 mil. Does that count as ‘high salary’?

A salary above the local average can, indeed, help as evidence of ‘high salary’ in the EB-1, but it rarely sustains the case on its own. Being a bit above the average for your region and role is a positive signal, not a standalone criterion that decides the outcome.

In the EB-1, salary is just one of several indicators that a professional stands out in their field. What qualifies as a high salary often varies by industry, seniority, and market, so a modest differential above the average tends to carry more weight when accompanied by other evidence of excellence, such as:

• Awards and recognitions granted by respected organizations.
• Publications, citations, and contributions with meaningful impact in your field.
• Participation in associations or roles that require professional distinction.

In other words, a competitive salary strengthens the overall picture, but the case is built on a consistent combination of evidence. It is worth checking the updated requirements with USCIS and evaluating your full profile with a qualified professional before filing.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.