I received an RFE saying my salary is not ‘above average’. What do I do for EB-1?

An RFE questioning whether your salary is above average does not end your EB-1 process. It is a request for additional evidence, which is common, and it is typically addressed by gathering documentation that contextualizes your compensation within the standards of your field and role.

The response works best when it compares your compensation to verifiable market references, rather than simply asserting that it is competitive. Components beyond base salary also help paint a complete picture.

• Reliable salary surveys and market reports from your field.
• Letters from employers or experts explaining the compensation methodology.
• Documentation of bonuses, incentives, and benefits that make up your total package.

Build a clear and objective response, anchored in concrete sources and consistent with the rest of your petition. Since each case is unique, it is worth confirming updated requirements at the official source (USCIS) and working with a specialist to calibrate your response strategy.

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.