Requirement #2: Documentation of membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
What DOES count as a membership in a qualifying association for EB-1A?
For a membership to qualify, there must be a higher selective standard for admission to the association.
The membership must be in an association that requires outstanding achievements as an essential condition to become a member.
The Beneficiary’s Outstanding Achievements were the Basis for Granting Membership as Judged by Recognized National or International Experts in their Disciplines or Field
The Association must be related to the Beneficiary’s Field of Endeavor
What does NOT count as membership in a qualifying association for EB-1A?
Membership in an organization that is based solely on a level of education or years of experience in a particular field does not qualify.
If the membership requirements are: based on employment or activity in an area, based on a fixed minimum education; based on test scores; based on GPA; then they will NOT be accepted as a qualifying association.
What documentation do I submit to USCIS as Evidence of membership in a qualifying association for EB-1A?
Evidence that the association’s membership is exclusive, that membership is limited solely to those who have been judged by their peers as having attained outstanding achievements in the field for which classification is sought.
The section of the association’s constitution or bylaws which discuss the criteria for membership for the beneficiary’s level of membership in the association.
The section of the association’s constitution or bylaws which discuss the qualifications required of the reviewers on the review panel of the association.
Documentation to establish that the individuals who review prospective members’ applications are recognized as national or international experts in their disciplines or fields.
Documentary evidence which describes the association’s goals, mission, or target membership.