Non-US International
Medical Graduates
(Non-US IMGs)

Non-US International Medical Graduates (Non-US IMGs) are medical students who are citizens of countries outside of the US and have attended medical schools outside of the US. An example of this is someone who attends medical school in their home country and decides to pursue residency training in the US.

See US IMG

Non-US IMGs by the Numbers

General Facts and Statistics for the 2024 Match

Average USMLE® Scores for Matched Non-US IMGs
USMLE Step 1: 235

USMLE Step 2 CK: 243
Match Rate: 59.4%
Educational Background: More Non-US IMGs reported having a Ph.D. (2.5%) than US IMGs (1.2%)

Experiential Background:

Non-US IMGs averaged 2.9 research experiences, with 88% reporting at least one research experience
They reported an average of 7.3 publications per applicant, 88.1% reported at least one publication
Non-US IMGs averaged 6.3 year of work experience, 92% reported at least one work experience
They averaged 4.3 volunteer experiences, 90.1% reported at least one volunteer experience

Benefits and Challenges of Being a Non-US IMG

Benefits for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

Diverse Clinical Experience: IMGs often gain a broad range of experiences across various healthcare systems, which can enrich their training and perspective.
Flexibility: Given their backgrounds, IMGs might adapt more quickly to different clinical environments or patient demographics.
Language Skills: Many IMGs bring multiple language proficiencies, enhancing communication with a diverse patient base.
Rich Personal Statements: The unique experiences of IMGs often provide compelling narratives for personal statements, making their applications stand out.

Challenges for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

Visa Requirements: Navigating visa requirements poses a significant challenge, with stringent rules and stipulations.
Higher USMLE Score Expectations: IMGs often face higher expectations for USMLE scores to prove their competence on par with U.S. graduates.
US Clinical Experience (USCE): Gaining relevant USCE is crucial for IMGs to demonstrate their ability to work in the U.S. healthcare system.
Document Acquisition: It can be more complex for IMGs to gather all necessary application documents due to different educational systems and bureaucracies.

Top 5 IMG-Friendly Specialties

Pathology (40.9%): Pathology residencies have a high number of IMG residents.

Internal Medicine (Categorical) (41.3%): Broad field with various subspecialties and emphasis on Step 2 CS, which favors IMGs.

Family Medicine (30.0%): Good work-life balance, high demand, and more open to IMGs compared to some specialties.

Neurology (26.8%): Potential shortage of neurologists, but remains competitive with high USMLE score requirements.

Pediatrics (21.6%): Projected physician shortage and strong clinical skills of IMGs make pediatrics a good fit for some.

Most US IMG Friendly States

State	# of Non-US IMGs
New York	1557
Florida	717
Pennsylvania	600
Michigan	561
New Jersey	511

IMGs and
Visa Sponsorship

Understanding visa options is critical for IMGs who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents:

J-1 Visa Overview

General Information:

Purpose: Primarily for educational and cultural exchange.
Ease of Acquisition: Generally easier to obtain than the H-1B visa.
Sponsorship and Regulation: Managed by the ECFMG and subject to U.S. Department of State regulations.
Duration: Tied to the length of the training program, up to a maximum of 7 years.

Key Requirements:

Completion of Form DS-2019.
Maintaining valid passport and health insurance.
Compliance with full-time training requirements and immediate reporting of any changes.

H1-B Visa Overview

General Information:

Purpose: A temporary work visa allowing IMGs to receive medical training.
Difficulty: More challenging to secure than a J-1 visa.
Duration: Initially granted for three years with the possibility of extending to a maximum of six years.

Key Requirements:

Must have a residency offer from a program that sponsors H1-B visas.
Required ECFMG certification and USMLE scores.
May require a state medical license depending on the state of employment.

These points outline the structured environment within which IMGs must operate to secure and maintain visa status, which is critical for their training and future practice in the U.S. Understanding and navigating these requirements is crucial for successful integration into the U.S. medical system.

J-1 VS. H1-B

	J-1	H1-B
Requires 2-year home residency after training	Yes	No
Requires ECFMG® Certification	Yes	Yes
Requires USMLE Step 3	No	Yes
Sponsored by ECFMG®	Yes	No
Sponsored by programs	No	Yes

Visas and Program Requirements

Visas are a critical aspect of the residency application process for Non-US IMGs. It is essential for these candidates to thoroughly research the visa policies of the residency programs they are interested in. Some programs may have specific visa requirements or preferences, such as:

Accepting J-1 visas only: Programs that accept this visa type are typically looking for candidates who will return to their home country after training, aligning with the J-1 visa's exchange visitor purpose.
Sponsoring H1-B visas only: These programs are willing to support the more complex process of obtaining a work visa, which allows for a longer stay and possibly a path to residency.
Accepting J-1 visas and sponsoring H1-B visas: Offering flexibility for IMGs, these programs provide options that support both temporary and longer-term stays in the U.S.
Neither accepting J-1 visas nor sponsoring H1-B visas: Programs with this policy do not support visa sponsorship, thus limiting opportunities for Non-US IMGs.

Properly researching the visa policies of residency programs can save significant resources and improve the chances of matching with a program that fits the visa requirements of Non-US IMGs. Tools like Match A Resident provide customized lists with individualized visa filters to help simplify this process. These tools can be invaluable in helping Non-US IMGs navigate the complexities of finding residency programs that meet their specific visa needs.

Using such specialized resources can ensure that IMGs are applying to programs where they have a real chance of acceptance, taking into account their visa circumstances. This strategic approach to residency applications is crucial for maximizing both time and financial investments.

We are open to Non-US International Medical Graduates

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Tips for Non-US IMGs

For Non-US International Medical Graduates (Non-US IMGs) aiming to match into US residency programs, here are tailored strategies to enhance your application and improve your chances of success:

Educate Yourself Thoroughly:

Understand the intricacies of the residency application process. Familiarize yourself with timelines, required documents, and procedures. The more informed you are, the better prepared you'll be to navigate the complexities of the application system without missing critical deadlines.

Start Early

Begin preparing your application well before the ERAS portal opens in September. Collecting documents, drafting personal statements, and researching programs can be time-consuming. Aim to start this process by May or June to ensure you have ample time to complete a comprehensive application without rushing.

Acquire US Clinical Experience (USCE):

Hands-on clinical experience in the US healthcare environment is invaluable. Seek externships, clerkships, or clinical rotations within the US to gain relevant exposure. USCE not only enriches your ERAS application but also helps you secure US-based Letters of Recommendation, which are often a requirement for many programs.

Research Programs Thoroughly and Apply Broadly:

Use tools like the NRMP and FREIDA online to gather data about various residency programs. Successful IMG candidates typically apply to multiple specialties and numerous programs within those specialties. Ensure you understand each program's specific requirements to avoid applying to those where your qualifications may not match their criteria.

Network and Seek Mentorship:

Building professional relationships can provide insights and advice that are crucial for navigating the medical residency application process. Engage with mentors, attend conferences, and participate in online forums where you can connect with other IMGs and professionals in your desired specialties.

Prepare for Interviews:

Practice common interview questions and scenarios specific to medical residency interviews. This preparation will help you present yourself confidently and effectively discuss how your background, skills, and aspirations align with the programs to which you're applying.

By implementing these strategies, Non-US IMGs can significantly enhance their prospects in the highly competitive Match process. Each step is designed to build a robust application, showcase your qualifications, and align your professional goals with the opportunities available in the US medical system.

Non-US International Medical Graduates (Non-US IMGs)

Non-US IMGs by the Numbers

Benefits and Challenges of Being a Non-US IMG

Top 5 IMG-Friendly Specialties

Most US IMG Friendly States

IMGs and Visa Sponsorship

J-1 Visa Overview

General Information:

Key Requirements:

H1-B Visa Overview

General Information:

Key Requirements:

J-1 VS. H1-B

Visas and Program Requirements

We are open to Non-US International Medical Graduates

Tips for Non-US IMGs

Educate Yourself Thoroughly:

Start Early

Acquire US Clinical Experience (USCE):

Research Programs Thoroughly and Apply Broadly:

Network and Seek Mentorship:

Prepare for Interviews:

Smart residency program search in one click.

Non-US International
Medical Graduates
(Non-US IMGs)

IMGs and
Visa Sponsorship

Smart residency program search
in one click.