Questions arise occasionally on whether a Scout moving to the USA from another country can use the advancements he had earned in that country toward advancement in a BSA Unit.
The answer, which is, "YES HE CAN", can be found in Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures (BSA publication #33088).
This policy has recently been revised to make it clear that it applies to advancement by youth in ALL of the BSA's program areas. Although not specifically mentioned, a process similar to that listed for Eagle Scout should probably be used for youth desiring to work toward the Quartermaster Award in a Sea Scout Ship, or toward the Ranger and/or Silver Award in a Venturing Crew.
The following is from page 43 of the 2000 edition of the book mentioned above:
YOUTH OF OTHER NATIONALITIES
A YOUTH from another country who either temporarily resides in, or has moved permanently to, the United States may join a BSA unit and participate in the BSA advancement program. He must present to the council service center available evidence of membership and advancement level from his previous association. Having done this, he then must appear before the district or council advancement committee with at least one member of the receiving unit committee present to review his previous advancement work and to determine which BSA rank he is qualified to receive.
This Policy applies to all ranks except Eagle Scout. The BSA rank of Eagle Scout cannot automatically be considered the equivalent of another association’s highest rank. A Scout who holds his association’s highest rank could qualify for the rank of Life Scout, and the district or council advancement committee should prescribe certain merit badges for him to earn before consideration for the rank of Eagle Scout. He must also fulfill all other requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout.
This Policy also applies to members of the BSA who, while living abroad, have earned advancement in another Scouting association.
