This paper introduces the development of performance-based method (PBM) for seismic design and evaluation of nuclear safety related structure in nuclear power station in U. S., and systematically explains and discusses the PBM. Based on the updated research and available standards and codes, the main content of PBM includes following 5 aspects: Category of systems structures and components(SSC) according to different performance goal, Determination of performance goal of SSC, determination of seismic input based on PSHA, Fragility Analysis of SSC, and ensure sufficient conservatism of fragility safety to reasonably achieve target performance goal. This paper also gives some recommendations on the research and development of PBM in the future.