Elite Memberships for Extraordinary Ability
Membership in associations in the field which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts.
What USCIS Looks For
To satisfy Criterion #2, your membership must require outstanding achievements as judged by recognized experts. Simply paying dues or completing basic requirements does not qualify.
USCIS evaluates: what achievements are required for admission, who evaluates membership applications, and whether the organization's membership criteria demonstrates extraordinary ability.
What Memberships Qualify for EB-1A?
Qualifying Memberships
- • IEEE Senior Member - Requires 10+ years experience and significant achievements
- • IEEE Fellow - Highest grade, extraordinary record
- • ACM Distinguished Member - Requires 15+ years and impact
- • ACM Fellow - Exceptional contributions to computing
- • Professional society honors grades with peer review
- • Invitation-only professional organizations
✕What Doesn't Qualify
- • Basic memberships available by paying dues
- • Student or associate memberships
- • Certifications based only on passing an exam
- • Organizations with open membership policies
- • Memberships requiring only education or coursework
- • Self-nominated memberships without peer review
Spotlight: Top EB-1A Qualifying Memberships
IEEE Senior Member
The IEEE Senior Member grade is widely recognized by USCIS as satisfying Criterion #2. It requires 10+ years of professional experience, with at least 5 years of significant performance. Applications are evaluated by a committee of existing Senior Members.
- • Requirements: 10+ years experience, significant achievements, peer references
- • Approval Rate: ~70% for well-prepared applications
- • EB-1A Value: 9/10 - Highly valued by USCIS
ACM Senior Member / Distinguished Member
ACM offers Senior Member (10+ years) and Distinguished Member (15+ years) grades that demonstrate peer-recognized expertise in computing. These require documented contributions and endorsements from existing members.
- • Requirements: Professional experience, publications, endorsements
- • Approval Rate: Selective, based on documented achievements
- • EB-1A Value: 8-9/10 - Strong evidence of expertise
Documentation Strategy
Essential Evidence for Membership Claims
- • Membership certificate and confirmation letter stating your grade
- • Organization's membership criteria showing requirements for your grade
- • Evidence of expert evaluation - how applications are reviewed
- • Acceptance statistics if available (approval rates)
- • Organization prestige documentation - history, reputation, notable members
- • Your application materials showing what achievements were evaluated
Pro Tip: Request Official Documentation
Request a letter from the organization explaining: the membership requirements, how applications are evaluated, who serves on selection committees, and what distinguishes your membership grade from basic membership. This authoritative documentation strengthens your case significantly.
Building Your Membership Path
Strategic Progression
Many professional organizations have tiered membership structures. Plan your progression strategically:
Start with regular membership, maintain active participation, document your achievements, and apply for elevation when you meet the requirements. The progression itself demonstrates growing recognition in your field.
Membership Opportunities for EB-1A
Explore these verified membership opportunities that can strengthen your EB-1A petition. Each requires outstanding achievements judged by experts.
IEEE Senior Member
IEEE
ACM Senior Member
ACM
Sigma Xi Membership
Sigma Xi
IEEE Fellow
IEEE
ACM Distinguished Member
ACM
ACM Fellow
ACM
AAAI Senior Member
AAAI
IET Fellow
Institution of Engineering and Technology
BCS Fellow
British Computer Society
SIAM Fellow
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
APS Fellow
American Physical Society
INFORMS Fellow
INFORMS
PMI Fellow
Project Management Institute
Professional Society Fellows Overview
Various
National Academy of Inventors Fellow
National Academy of Inventors
NAI Senior Member
National Academy of Inventors
National Academy of Engineering Member
National Academy of Engineering
Explore Other EB-1A Criteria
Memberships are just one of 10 criteria. Build a comprehensive case by satisfying multiple criteria.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and requirements change frequently. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation before making any decisions.