The function of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is to match applicants seeking postgraduate residency positions in the United States with institutions offering those positions. Students are given the opportunity in the final year to rank preferences confidentially. The students are matched to training programs ranked highest that offer prospective graduate positions. Students and graduates of foreign medical schools may enroll as individuals and will be retained in the match program if they submit proof of having passed the examinations required to obtain the ECFMG certification by the date of submission of Rank Order Lists in January of each year. ECFMG certification must be obtained before beginning residency training. Residency applications are now generally done through the Electronic Residence Application Service (ERAS). International medical students obtain the necessary software to complete the electronic format application from the ECFMG and return it to them for processing in the early fall, prior to the expected start of a residency in July. Candidates who intend to enter the United States as exchange visitors must also be able to qualify under the conditions of applicable US law. Residency program directors must determine that alien students of foreign medical schools will be able to obtain a visa if matched, that applicants are ECFMG-certified, and that applicants are also eligible under state law for any license or permit that may be necessary to study as residents.
Information and materials may be obtained from:
National Resident Matching Program®
2121 K Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 1 (866) 653-NRMP
Outside of US: +1 (202) 400-2233
support@nrmp.org
nrmp.org