I work at an NGO and don’t have a high salary. How do I prove ‘high salary’?

In the EB-1, the ‘high salary’ criterion is comparative: it looks at how your compensation is positioned relative to other professionals in the same field, not at a fixed value. Working at an NGO with a modest salary does not, by itself, rule out this possibility.

The goal is to build a complete picture of your total compensation and professional recognition, going beyond base salary.

• Add benefits, bonuses, awards, and other forms of compensation you receive.
• Use market reports and expert opinions that allow your compensation to be compared to that of peers in your field.
• Reinforce your case with evidence of impact, such as publications and participation in conferences.

Keep in mind that this is just one of several accepted types of evidence and is not the only path. To understand how to frame your profile, review the updated USCIS guidelines or consult a specialist.

About the author

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.