How to Calculate High Pay for EB-1 Cases

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Skyrocket Your EB-1 with High Salary Proof!

Thrive with the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram

Welcome to our EB-1 series! We’re your guide to proving top 10% earnings for a winning Green Card application.

Master EB-1 Salary Criteria Now!

Struggling to verify high pay? Per [INA § 203(b)(1)(A)], show your salary exceeds the 90th percentile using O*Net Online’s trusted data. We simplify the process!

NOTE: Please open a separate browser tab so you can follow along with the actual website. Since web pages are periodically updated, accessing the live site rather than relying on screenshots will help ensure you’re viewing the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Example 1:
Once you’re in O*Net Online, there is an “Occupation Keyword Search” field where you can search for almost any mainstream occupation.

Search “Computer Systems Analyst.” Note the SOC code 15-1211.00—a standard identifier used by the BLS and on many government forms. Use this SOC to cross-reference salary data and other official resources. Because job titles vary by company, focus on the underlying occupation, confirm the right SOC, and base your analysis on that. For this example, our client’s occupation is Computer Systems Analyst (SOC 15-1211.00).

Next, scroll to “Job Zone.” Review Education, Job Training, and the SVP Range to understand preparation requirements.

Use Job Training to see if the role typically needs a BA or substantial experience; Computer Systems Analyst shows ~1–2 years, implying lighter prep. SVP reflects skill level—aim for 7–8+ for BA-level roles; here it’s 6.0–<7.0, below that bar. Education outlines typical schooling (Associate’s ≈ 2 years; Bachelor’s ≈ 4 years, with common transfers). For EB-1, a required degree isn’t decisive—extraordinary ability can outweigh it. Example: “Financial Manager” maps to SOC 11-3031.00. My take: use SVP 7–8+ plus BA/experience as a quick filter, then confirm with training and education.

If we scroll down to the “Job Zone” section. If we first look at the “Education” section, we can see that Financial Managers typically require a four-year bachelor’s degree.

ONET lists the typical years of training to become established. Financial Managers show an SVP of 7–8 (high professional skill; >8 is the highest). Use ONET as a starting point for occupation research. Then check if your pay is in the top 10% (≥90th percentile) under Wages & Employment Trends, which pulls BLS data.

To find out what the range of salaries are, click on the ‘Select a State’ drop down.

In this case, we’ve selected California. The median wage for a Financial Manager in California is $169,780. For EB-1 purposes, you will need to earn $239,200 or more to qualify in this category, as this is the amount those in the top 10% are currently able to command.

It is worth noting that many of our EB-1 candidates find their earning potential substantially increases once they can secure their green cards and are able to compete properly in the open market.

Compensation and role matching

Senior roles often pay base salary plus annual bonus; bonuses count for EB-1 if shown on official earnings (e.g., W-2). Include perks and equity—have an accountant confirm total compensation, including options/RSUs with current market value even if vesting later. If base plus bonus is at or above the 90th percentile, this category is strong. When researching, choose a specific occupation that fits your duties (e.g., Software Developer, Accountant, Model) and avoid generic titles like Chief Executive unless accurate.

Build Your EB-1 Success Path

Our expertise guides you through O*Net and beyond, securing your high salary proof for approval.

Act Now for Your EB-1 Triumph!

Ready to shine? Contact us for a free consultation. Let’s secure your EB-1 Green Card!

Chris M. Ingram, a U.S. Immigration Attorney, is originally from Northampton, England. He earned his BA (Hons) in Law from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1994. In 1996, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) at De Montfort School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Huddersfield University, UK, in 1998. After relocating to the United States, Chris was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and has been a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004.

Having experienced the U.S. immigration process firsthand with his wife and three children, Chris M. Ingram founded his law firm with a mission to ensure that every client receives the best possible immigration experience. He recognized the need for accessible and comprehensive immigration education, leading him to develop one of the most informative online platforms available today.

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram website now features:

1. Over 1,000 pages of immigration resources
2. Hundreds of educational videos on visa and green card options
3. Client success stories and testimonials to inspire new applicants

We continually update and expand our content to keep visitors informed about the latest immigration policies, visa options, and legal strategies.