My country’s average salary is low. Should I compare it to the US average?

There is no need to compare average salaries between countries. EB-1 is not evaluated based on salary alone, but on your achievements and the recognition of distinction you have earned in your field. A lower compensation in your home country does not, by itself, hurt your eligibility.

This category looks at your professional impact and the accomplishments that place you in a position of prominence in your field. Awards, publications, recognized contributions, and expert assessments tend to carry far more weight than a salary figure in isolation.

• The focus is on demonstrated excellence, not a country’s average salary level.
• Direct salary comparisons ignore differences in cost of living and market conditions.
• When compensation is presented as evidence, it is read within its proper context.

Since each profile is reviewed individually, it is worth building a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your distinction in multiple ways and verifying the current criteria with the USCIS or a specialist before filing.

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.