There are a number of essential components involved in getting
a residency in the US. Let's start by listing the typical steps
an IMG applicant will move through during this complicated,
sometimes expensive, and always anxiety raising process. The
steps include:
- Pick your desired residency
(internal medicine, surgery, radiology etc.)
- Obtain a token then complete
ERAS application via your computer.
- Research your destination
hospitals.
- Complete the ERAS
application.
- Register as an independent
applicant with the National Residency Matching Program
(Deadline is December 1).
- Watch the Automated Document
Tracking System (ADTS) for the progress of your ERAS
submission.
- Call/email the hospitals that
have received your ERAS application, and ask about interview
schedules.
- Prepare for and attend
interviews.
- Rank your favorite
programs.
- Submit your ERAS rank order list
by mid-February.
- While awaiting the match results
(posted in 2nd-3rd week of March), research your visa options
and send for the licensing application packs for the states
that you feel most likely to match with.
- Sign and return your residency
contract.
- Initiate the licensing
application for the state that you matched with (requires your
ECFMG certificate and a copy of the signed contract with the
hospital).
- Once the state medical license
is secure, you can apply for the visa.
- Organize accommodation, flights, shipping, etc.
