USCIS emphasizes that to meet this criterion for an EB-1 visa, proof is required that your annual remuneration significantly exceeds the average salary level in your professional field. That is, you will need not only to demonstrate the salary amount but also to compare it with the standard remuneration in this field in the region where you worked.

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Evidence of a high salary

The following documents can be used to prove this criterion for an EB-1 visa:

• Tax returns (for example, forms W2 or 1099 in the USA, Form 2-NDFL Russia).
• Income certificates from the employer.
• Employment contracts with confirmation of payment of wages.
• Bank statements.

Rewards, bonuses, and cash prizes can also be included in the petitioner's income.

Comparison with the average salary

To prove that you meet the High Salary criterion for an EB-1 visa, USCIS requires that your income exceed 90% of the median in your field.

It is recommended to use data from two independent sources. Examples of sources:

• Statistical agencies (government and commercial).
• Recruitment companies and sites.

In Russia, these can be Rosstat, hh.ru, Superjob, Gorod Rabot (City of Works). In the USA and other countries: CareerOneStop, Salary Expert, PayScale.com, GlassDoor, Levels.fyi, Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLCDC).

Also, to confirm this criterion for an EB-1 visa, you can use materials from well-known media, such as articles and ratings on the salary level of specialists in your field, screenshots of vacancies from major agencies or job search sites.

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Essential points

• Context
  It is essential to provide comparable data for an identical calendar year (preferably within three to five years). It is better to specify the amounts in both ruble and dollar equivalents using the same exchange rate.
• Letters from employers

Letters from employers confirming a high salary and explaining why your role deserves high compensation can be useful. These letters should be supported by objective evidence of your role and achievements.