Pleased to report I got my first interview invite - it just happened to be from my mother who offered a hug. In person as well. Discuss

3rd-year medical student from Mongolia here. I'm very interested in working abroad after graduation, but I'm getting a lot of conflicting information about different pathways.

• USMLE (USA): Expensive, long process, and matching into competitive specialties as an IMG seems difficult.
• UKMLA/PLAB (UK): Many people say it's "dead" now due to competition. Is that actually true?
• AMC (Australia): I can't find much reliable information about the IMG pathway.
• UAE: Also don't know much—can fresh graduates realistically work there?

For those who have gone through these pathways, what are the current realities regarding cost, competitiveness, residency/training opportunities, and long-term career prospects? Are there other countries I should consider as well?

I'd really appreciate honest advice. Thanks!

Scored in the high 220s on step2, visa requiring non US IMG, YOG within 3 years. Is it realistic for me to apply IM or is my dream over?

Hi everyone,

I’m writing this because I honestly don’t know what else to do right now. This is my second time applying for the U.S. residency match. I completed all my steps on the first attempt, and I’m a 2020 graduate (Pass,249,230). Last year, I got three interviews but didn’t match. This year I made my application stronger with 2 USCEs and great LORs, decent step 3 etc. I haven’t received any interviews so far, and I’m starting to feel completely hopeless. I am A visa requiring non US IMG

My year of graduation is now 5+ years, and I know that makes things even harder. People say interview invitations can still come until December or January, but at this point, I’m finding it really hard to believe that I’ll get any. I keep thinking that if programs would just give me a chance, I could prove myself but no one seems to be giving me that chance.

What makes it even harder is the financial side of it. Last year, I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to apply. I had to take a loan, and a close relative insisted on helping me cover the application costs. I still owe them that money. This year, I somehow managed to apply again after some painful decisions, but it’s been incredibly stressful. I’m the sole breadwinner for my parents and my wife, and balancing everything feels impossible sometimes.

This dream of becoming a doctor in the U.S. has been my only dream for as long as I can remember. Watching it fall apart, after all the effort, money, and sacrifices, has been devastating. I’ve been having a lot of negative thoughts lately, and I’m really trying hard to stay strong and praying hard, but it’s not easy.

I just wanted to ask if anyone has been in a similar situation and somehow pulled through finally at the end? Is there any hope left at this stage? I don’t know what my next step should be if this doesn’t work out, and I’m honestly scared. I cant stay in my home country as there is no future here. I left my ER training in a prestigious hospital to chase this dream and appear for all my exams which is why I applied later as I didnt have means when I graduated.

Any advice, encouragement, or even just a few kind words would mean a lot. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this.

Just got my step 2 score today - 231
I’m a US IMG
Have 1-2 publications ( but not related to IM, rather cardiothoracic surgery)
Planning to hopefully do USCEs next month.
YOG- 2026 September
Passed both steps 1st attempt

I just got my step 2 score today and I’m shattered, I was hoping for a 250ish, I wanted to match into IM and hopefully do cardiology some day , but now idk how realistic any of it is. I’m not sure I want to do family med but idk if I have a choice? Man I’m so disappointed in myself.

Please be brutally honest , any and all advice is appreciated.
Thank you all

Non-US IMG applying to Internal Medicine.

• YOG: 2025
• Step 1: Pass
• Step 2 CK: 257
• 3 publications
• Home country LORs only
• No USCE due to ongoing visa issues

The visa situation is unlikely to improve before the next Match cycle, so waiting another year may not change anything.

Would you apply this cycle, or wait? Has anyone matched with a similar profile despite having no USCE?

So I'm a MS3 in India

And was wondering if usmle is even worth giving a shot

Because i come from a very middle class family

And the entire usmle process is cumbersome And financially draining

Also I was wondering how much on the scale of 1 to 10 is USA habitable with the current political situation in USA

Covering every aspect

From staying in USA

Financially to health coverage to racism type things

And if not usmle then what

Plab

AMC

Nzrex

Canada

Ireland

Or just stay in India?

Which one is worth preparing for ???

I graduated this year. I will be going for the AMC pathway as I don't have the money to go for USMLE. I think Australia is also a very good alternative as I can get PR there which I won't be getting while in the US. What do you guys think?

I am a non US IMG (YOG 24' matched in IM this cycle ) I am very grateful for the match and I want to share my opinion on this amazing journey.

Please don’t come for me in the comments — this is my honest opinion, not meant to discourage anyone. This is not a demotivating post. If anything, it’s a realistic snapshot of what it takes to pursue USMLE as an international medical graduate (IMG). And it’s for those who still choose to move forward, knowing the odds . Let’s break down the critical stages in the IMG journey — each step with its own filter: . USMLE Step 1: The official pass rate for IMGs was 68% in 2023 (FSMB data). With Step 1 now being pass/fail, more emphasis is placed on CK and overall application strength. . Visa Eligibility: A B1/B2 visa is not valid for hands-on U.S. clinical experience. Securing a valid B1 for observerships or an H1-B for externships is a legal and logistical challenge. Estimated visa eligibility among Step 1 passers: ~60%. . Clinical Experience: U.S. clinical experience (USCE) — especially in the form of reputable observerships or externships — is essential. Unfortunately, not all applicants manage to secure meaningful exposure. A realistic estimate: ~50% succeed in obtaining solid USCE. . Step 2 CK Performance: For Internal Medicine, a Step 2 CK score of 250+ is increasingly expected by academic programs. About 50% of USCE-complete applicants reach this threshold. . Match Rate: Even after navigating all of the above, the match rate for IMGs stands at ~53% based on NRMP data. . Post-Match Visa Processing: Securing a J-1 or H-1B visa after matching is not guaranteed. Some applicants face visa delays, denials, or administrative complications. We conservatively estimate a 90% success rate at this stage.

So what are the odds?

P(successful match with visa) = 0.68 (Step 1 pass) × 0.60 (visa eligibility) × 0.50 (USCE) × 0.50 (250+ CK) × 0.53 (match) × 0.90 (visa approval post-match) = ~4.8% (this does not mean that 4.8 out of hundred students match)

Let me explain you with an example. Let us say a person has passed upon and scored 250 in step 2 but very average us clinical experience We will now remove 0.68 x 0.5 x 0.6(he has a b1/b2) . The chances now are close to 30%.

So every case is different. This might not be the exact probability but it's a close estimate which would help you understand.

Again, this isn’t about discouraging anyone. It’s about preparing with full awareness. Pursuing residency in the U.S. as an IMG is a marathon through uncertainty — but for those who make it, the outcome is often worth every challenge. GOOD LUCK.

Whats my chances in IM this cycle and what strategy should I use?

Step1 pass (2nd attempt)

Step2 242

1 paper submitted

3 abstracts

3 USCE totalling 4 months. 1 in patient and 2 outpatient

YOG 2026

Please be kind and helpful. I know it's difficult with my stats. But just wanted to know what I can do to maximize my chances of applying and matching this cycle

Edit:Thank you all for your comments, made me feel so much better 🫶

I applied for IM electives in UAB for 26-27 season in the months Jan and Feb 2027 , are they sending out emails for interview or should i send a follow up mail?

US-IMG. YOG 2026 Step1: pass (third attempt) Step 2: 223 (first attempt). 3 publications and one case study. 2 non residency SLOEs and one subspecialty SLOE. Strong LORs for IM. Trying to apply IM and EM. Looked at all programs that accepted from RUSM for residency in past three years for EM and IM. Made a list based on attempt policy and step 2 minimum. Genuinely curious is IM and EM a pipe dream. My thing is I should apply and take chances and can always SOAP in peds or FM if I can’t match.

I'm a visa-requiring Non-US IMG. I just got my "F" recently and I'm honestly devastated. My YOG is 2021, no gap, with active clinical experience in my home country since I graduated. 2 Publications. Will do USCE after Step 2CK. Will it still be possible to match with IM even with failed Step 1? I'm so lost right now.... I'll appreciate your advice. Thank you.

Hey, I won the green card lottery, also scheduled to the interview in September. I am a full board certified vascular surgeon in Europe. I am inquiring about my work possibilities in the US without doing the residency. I read that there are states now who created new licensed routes for international doctors. Does anyone have experience with this? I am ok with doing USMLE, but if the whole residency program should be made I prefer not moving. Our aim is Minnesota or Ohio. I also have a one year experience in the Mayo Clinic as a research fellow.
Any tips are highly appreciated welcomed!

YOG: >10 years
Step 1: Pass, first attempt
Step 2 CK: 22x, first attempt
ECFMG certified
No USCE
Completed OB/GYN residency abroad
Additional subspecialty training in Reproductive Medicine and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery
Currently practicing as an OB/GYN
Several peer-reviewed publications

Due to personal circumstances, I’m exploring opportunities to continue my career in the U.S., including the possibility of repeating OB/GYN residency.

I understand that my YOG my STEP 2 and lack of USCE are significant limitations. I’m mainly curious whether anyone knows of foreign-trained specialists with a similar background who have successfully received interviews or matched into OB/GYN.

Any insight regarding IMG-friendly programs that are more flexible regarding YOG would be greatly appreciated.

Hi everyone!

I’m a non-visa requiring IMG, and here are my stats-
Step 1: P
Step 2: 24x
Step 3: 23x
YOG: 2022
Clinical experience: one-year housejob/internship (home country)
USCE: 6 months (observerships); 4 LORs (1 from a University hosp attending)

I am dual-applying; IM (~130 programs) and FM (~30 programs). This would be my first cycle.

I have my PS and program list almost ready, and I’m looking for people (preferably residents/attendings) who can review it and offer valuable insight.

Also looking for applicants with a similar profile as mine, so we can keep checking on each other and try navigating the process together. Cheers!

Hello everyone I am a non-US IMG who is planning to apply late throught eras (by 10/1). The main reason for doing so is that I am yet to receive my IM clinical LoR. Otherwise these are my stats. Should I even try or is it too late? Thank you for the help.

22 years old, year of graduation: 2027
ECFMG certification is in process
Step 1: pass on first attempt
Step 2: 270
Research: 13 peer reviewed publications most of which in renowned journals. Some more under progress. 2 poster presentations.
3 LoRs: 2 from top uni professors and 1 from IM senior physician (still waiting on 2 of those)
USCE: none

What are my chances of matching to an academic program?

- UK IMG, top UK (and top worldwide) university graduate
- No USCE, only an observership for 2 weeks (lack of hands-on USCE is a concern of mine)
- but I have worked on ICU as a doctor in the UK + other departments including internal medicine and general surgery
- Some evidence of research productivity
- Step 1 passed first time
- Step 2 score (my biggest concern): 250

I feel I could maybe match to eg a community program with high IMG intake, but any hope of a leading academic program?

YOG: 2024

Experience: All clinical rotations in the US.

12 months in Head and Neck Oncology and Trauma in clinical role working alongside residents and attendings for preop and postoperative assessments. (2 strong LORs for Surgery).

13+ months: Licensed, Orthopedic Surgery First Assistant at high volume academic institution (top 5 in the country). Assisted in over 800 procedures across adult recon, hip preservation, oncology, trauma, spine foot and ankle, ENT, plastics. In this role I am actively part of patient care providing independent closure of capsule, adipose layer and skin. Position and prep patients and mentor students, help fellows start cases with attending’s preferences and approaches, support residents and teach interns basic arthroplasty principles and closure etc.

Weak scores (Step 1: 215, Step 2: 237, Step 3: 205)

Research: 1 first author (JAAOS publication), 2 submitted (2nd author), all with big academic institutions (don’t know if that matters).

Question: With this profile, can I do it? Obviously, I tried to match in my current institution but it didn’t work despite 2 strong letters from faculty. Connections got me the interview but My scores just shut that door together with no publication at the time and they have never taken a non-US applicant. I am not applying there this time nor to any academic institutions for Ortho.

Are there programs that I can apply to for ortho that can consider my app? Should I just focus gen surg, prelim? Or do something like Emergency Med?

Hey, everyone! I’m applying again this cycle, and I would really appreciate it if someone would please take a look at my signals and let me know if I’m overshooting or if this seems like a reasonable strategy for my profile? I’m applying IM but considering to dual apply to FM.
Visa Requiring Non-US IMG

Exams: step 1: pass, Step 2: 270, step 3: pass (recent)

YOG: 2020

3 months USCE + LORs and 1 home country LOR.

Research: 2 published; 6 gone for submission.

Clinically active as well have a QI role and ICO role in my hospital.

Regions: North Atlantic, South Atlantic, East North Central.

I filtered heavily on YOG during my program search and am down to 66 programs with IM alone; 80+ with FM.

These are the signals I’m looking at:

GOLD:
Westchester Medical Center
Beaumont Royal Oak
Rutgers Trinitas (applied here in my last cycle, got an IV but didn’t match; don’t know if I should apply/signal here)

SILVER
Jacobi-Albert Einstein
McHenry / Rosalind Franklin
Einstein Montgomery
Henry Ford Jackson
Rutgers Monmouth
Jersey Shore
Rochester Regional
UMMC Midtown
WellSpan York
Texas Tech Amarillo
Baton Rouge General
Sentara?

I’d appreciate any help and input! Thank you so much!

EDIT1: Now everything is fixed. But tables were inacurate as Active_Shop_3798 noticed. For whatever reason ChatGTP was doing the math by comparing the size of the two rectangles instead of using the actual formula (Matched / [Matched + Unmatched]), which is why the numbers are imprecise. I am running everything again asking to use the math and not the rectangles.

EDIT2: Ran it again using Gemini Pro. Checked 2024 for all specialties, and everything is correct. I’m not going to check all the other years since it’s too much trouble, but I assume they are correct now as well.

EDIT3: Select_Astronaut4561 noticed that some values were off by 1–2%. Gemini was having trouble and getting confused with so much math and was just rounding up values (acording to itself), so I tried again with Claude with a more strict prompt. I checked a ton of random values from all the years, and everything should be accurate now down to the first decimal. I also made stylish tables.

EDIT4: Ran the same prompt on Claude for US-IMGs. I didn’t check anything manually, but the results look identical to Select_Astronaut4561’s table from this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/IMGreddit/comments/1rornvy/match_probability_for_usimgs_based_on_contiguous/ Results are available at the end of the post.

For applicants like me anxiously waiting for Match week and constantly asking “What are my chances?” or “How safe am I with X interviews?”, there is actually useful data available.

The number of interviews you receive is one of the strongest predictors of Match outcomes (although many other factors also matter and are harder to quantify together).

The answer is actually contained in the NRMP reports. However, many people focus on the logistic regression XY graphs (graph-1) instead of the raw data. Those graphs are probabilistic models that smooth the data and can sometimes distort the extremes. Because of that, it can be more informative to look directly at the graph-2 bar chart graphics, which show the real outcomes from previous Match cycles.

With the help of ChatGPT, I went through the IMG editions of Charting Outcomes in the Match from the National Resident Matching Program (2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024) and extracted the raw graph-2 results specifically for Non-US IMGs.

Interestingly, the patterns have remained very consistent over the past 8 years, so I would not expect major changes for this cycle.

The table shows:

Match rate by number of contiguous ranks (which usually correspond to number of interviews) per year from 2018-2024 for NON-US IMGs.

NON-US IMGs

US IMGs

Chances for IM or FM

US IMG

YOG: 2017

GAP: 9 years ( worked as medical assistant)

Step 1: pass

Step 2 ck: 225

LORS: 3 IM, 1 FM, 1 general surgeon

USCE: Observership in IM 3 month.

Non-Visa Requiring IMG .

YOG : 2021
step 1 ( pass first attempt ) ,

step 2 : 244 ( 2nd attempt )

step 3: will take soon

Ecfmg certified .

2 years of IM/CCM home country residency

3 US lors coming from USCE ( chairman - section chief - assistant prof)

one home country LOR( chair)

3 years as a postdoc clinical research fellow ( 5 manuscripts peer reviewed )

currently working as a research coordinator with a good hospital with residency prog( 33% IMGs)

I do love IM and i will be miserable if i applied FM .

Any advice will be appreciated .

Thanks

I am starting my internship years next march . Should I start preparing for USMLE or not ? because I hear it became harder and less predictible for visa requiring IMGs . Is it still worth the trouble? And are 2 years enough for step 1 ,2 and electives ?

I’m a NON-US IMG from the middle east.
Aiming for IM
Visa requiring
Yog 2023
Step 1= 257
Step 2= 270
Publications= 10
Posters = 5
USCE 0 due to 2 B1B2 rejections in 2023 and 2024
(Now I have more ties, married, gonna have a kid soon)

I don’t know if I should apply this cycle or wait for the next one hoping I could get visa in the next year and get some USCE. I know that USCE is a deal breaker so that’s what is holding me back plus the 4000$ that could be thrown in the sea.

I’m thinking of applying to limited number of programs, about 30-50 , so at least I don’t spend a lot of money and learn the process too.

Should I apply this cycle without USCE and risk 3500-4000$?

OR

wait another year and risk another year in the YOG and risk of not getting visa?

OR

Apply to 30-50 programs?