Internal Medicine 2025: What You Really Need to Match as an IMG

Matching into Internal Medicine (IM) as an international medical graduate (IMG) is competitive—but not impossible. With approx 11,000 positions available in the 2025 match season, IM remains the most IMG-friendly specialty. But what separates those who match from those who don’t?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the latest 2025 season data from the NRMP, including what successful U.S. and non-U.S. IMGs had their applications.


Overall Match Landscape for Internal Medicine

• Total IM positions offered: 10,941
  
• Total applicants who applied IM: 10,584
  Total matched IMG (US and Non US)  in PGY1 positions: 4718
  
  • U.S. IMGs matched: 1,145 out of 2099 US applicants
    
  • Non-U.S. IMGs matched: 3,573 out of 7630 Non US applicants
    ​
    

Bottom line: IM remains the top specialty for IMGs, with 54.5% of U.S. IMGs and 46.8% of non-U.S. IMGs successfully matching in the 2025 cycle.

U.S IMGs: Charting outcomes from 2024 report of a Successful Match

• Step 1: 220
• Step 2 CK: 238
• Research experiences: 1.9
• Publications/presentations: 3.6
• Work experiences: 3.3
• Volunteer experiences: 3.4
• Contiguous ranks: 9.1
• Specialties ranked: 1.3 
• PhD holders: 0.4%
• ​ Other grad degrees: 19.3%

Let’s look at the highlighted factors individually according to top 5 specialties - US IMGs

If your scores are moderate and research is limited, specialties like Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Psychiatry or Pediatrics may offer the best match potential. For those with stronger academic profiles, Neurology and Pathology are viable options but demand more research credentials. At Sarthi, we help IMGs choose the right specialty based on their profile, and build a targeted strategy — from USCE to research and program selection — to boost their match chances.

Check out  the research courses that we offer -
- Innovative Residency Research
- Concept To Publication
- Rapid Affordable Research
- Research With The Program Director
- CIBNP Research Program

Non U.S IMGs: Charting outcomes from 2024 report of a Successful Match

• Step 1: 237
• Step 2 CK: 248
• Research experiences: 2.6
• Publications/presentations: 7
• Work experiences: 3.8
• Volunteer experiences: 2.7
• Contiguous ranks: 6.1
• Specialties ranked: 1.2
• PhD holders: 1.1%
• Other grad degrees: 16.6%

Let’s look at the highlighted factors individually according to the top 5 specialties- Non-US IMGs

Specialties like Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Family Medicine remain accessible with solid scores and some research, while more competitive fields like Neurology, Pathology, and Psychiatry demand good scores output as well as research experiences. At Sarthi, we guide non–US IMGs in strengthening their profiles — from building research portfolios to targeting the right specialties and programs — to maximize their chances of a successful match.

Check out  the research courses that we offer -
- Innovative Residency Research
- Concept To Publication
- Rapid Affordable Research
- Research With The Program Director
- CIBNP Research Program

Comparing Internal Medicine to Other IMG-Friendly Specialties

Key Takeaways

1. Step Scores Matter: Aim for 230+ as a U.S. IMG and 240+ as a non-U.S. IMG.
   
2. Build Your Application Holistically: Combine scores with solid clinical, volunteer, and research experiences.
3. Be Focused: Matching success is higher when applicants commit to one or two closely related specialties.

Final Word

Whether you’re a U.S. or non-U.S. IMG, the Internal Medicine match is within reach--if you plan smart and start early. Use this data to benchmark your progress and refine your strategy.
Ready to stand out from the crowd? Start prepping today—because the Match isn’t just about luck, it’s about strategy + execution.