Criterion 9 · 8 CFR 204.5(h)(3)(ix)
EB-1A High Salary Threshold Checker
Calculate whether your Total Compensation satisfies USCIS Criterion 9 (8 CFR 204.5(h)(3)(ix)) using official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OES 90th percentile data.
Your compensation inputs
Include base salary + annual vesting equity (RSUs) + annual bonus.
90th percentile benchmark
$268,000
USCIS evidence strategy for Criterion 9
- W-2s and 1099s for every year you are claiming high remuneration.
- Recent paystubs or payroll summaries showing base salary run-rate.
- Offer, promotion, or compensation letters stating total target compensation.
- BLS/OES data sheets for the exact occupation code and metropolitan area.
- Company equity valuation letters or 409A summaries supporting RSU or option value.
- Private survey exhibits (Radford, Carta, Levels.fyi) where OES understates the role.
Benchmarks are indicative. Bay Area, NYC, and Seattle use role-level OES-style figures; other metros are indexed estimates. Your filing must cite the exact OES occupation code and metropolitan area release.
Salary is one criterion. You need three.
Run the same forensic test across the other nine regulatory criteria and see exactly where your evidence is thin before an officer does.