Senior Membership is available -- according to IEEE Bylaw I-105.3 -- to engineers, scientists, educators, technical executives and originators in IEEE-designated fields who have been in professional practice for at least ten years and have shown significant performance for at least five of those years. An existing member who meets these criteria may apply for elevation or a prospective member who has reached this level may submit an application for membership AND Senior Member status at the same time. Members who are eligible for upgrade to Senior Member may, for whatever reason, be loath to apply. A Senior Member or Fellow may nominate colleagues for this grade elevation.