Residency Match Timeline:

The 2027 NRMP Residency Match Calendar has been released, and it's time to start planning your match strategy!

There's no doubt that Match is a long and challenging process, but you should always keep in mind that it is just the first step in your career. Once you're matched to a residency program, you'll be one step closer to achieving your dream of becoming a doctor in the US.

The Match process can be a daunting task, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier.

This timeline takes into account the additional requirements that IMGs may have to fulfill, such as obtaining US Clinical Experience, conducting Research, and obtaining ECFMG certification.

We bring some tips and guidance to ace this match season. We will tell you about the tools, which are important for Match and the deadline for season 2027.

For Sarthi Students, We have divided the season based on some important aspects and things that Sarthi students and you will be doing throughout the match season. 

We will discuss the details of each of these aspects in this blog.
​Before starting with the Match Timeline let us tell you about the registration process.
  • You have to Register on ECFMG Website, where you will obtain the ERAS token and start searching for the program.
  • Then you have to go to “myERAS”, where you will complete your application form, certify and submit it, then apply for the programs.​
  • After applying for the program you have to register on the NRMP website and submit the Rank order list for the match.

​Match process month by month:​

JAN 2026 to MAR 2026

Start planning early to ensure that you have enough time to complete all of these requirements. 

Start preparing early:
As an IMG, you may need to complete additional requirements before applying for residency in the US, such as obtaining USCE or ECFMG certification. 

Obtain ECFMG certification: 
ECFMG certification is a requirement for IMGs who want to participate in the NRMP. If you haven't already obtained certification, start the process as soon as possible. The certification process can take several months to complete, so be sure to start early.

Research Residency programs: Research the residency programs that you're interested in applying to. Look at their program requirements, resident selection criteria, and program culture to determine if they're a good fit for you. You can use the FREIDA website for searching the program. At Sarthi, enrolled students have access to the FREE SARTHI PROGRAM LIST, which is updated every year. We carefully curate the list from FRIEDA, Residency explorer, Sarthi’s own student experience, and other sources. This list is provided by the specialty. Click here to know how this program list works and what are the benefits of this program list. 

How to increase the chance of a match? The probability of any applicant matching in the Program, IMGs is interested, is around 10% or less. Many IMGs lose the chance to match because of poor application, personal statement, or interview performance. Sarthi offers end-to-end services and guidance to help you including extensive, ERAS CV, PS, Interview Preparation, Mock Interviews, Program List, and Rank Order List. Click here to know the plan which suits you best. 

We also provide extensive classes based on your application, personal statement, and interview preparation. To know more Click here. ​

APR 2026 to JUN 2026

ECFMG certification is a requirement for IMGs who want to participate in the NRMP. If you haven't already obtained certification, start the process as soon as possible. The certification process can take several months to complete, so be sure to start early.


The goal of the ECFMG certificate is to assess IMG, and whether IMG is ready for fellowship or residency. The USMLE is a three-part exam that IMGs must pass in order to obtain ECFMG certification. If you haven't already taken the exam, schedule your test dates for the summer months. Once you finish the exams, do some USCE and research. 


Obtain US clinical experience: Many residency programs require IMGs to have US clinical experience. If you don't have any yet, start looking for opportunities to gain this experience and LORs. USCE, with the program directors, you can make the connection and build your network, which will help you with program outreach. 


Sarthi works with physicians and Program Directors in New York, New Jersey, Detroit, Chicago, and many other IMG-friendly cities to offer excellent opportunities for clinical rotations, including electives, externships, and observerships to our students. Sarthi has more than 300+ rotation locations listed on the website. Click here to know more and book the rotations. 


The next step is to start working on your Personal Statement (PS). Your PS is an important part of your Residency Application. Start working on it early so that you have time to revise and edit it before the MyERAS® applications deadline. Start gathering the information and data for PS and ERAS CV. At least have your first draft of your ERAS CV and PS ready.


Sarthi's team reviews each component of the ERAS CV and guides you with specifics on how to write each section so that you have an impactful CV. Sarthi gives you valuable tips and guidance on work experience, hobbies, volunteer activities, research, and every minor aspect of the ERAS CV, which will help you impress the Residency Programs and increase your chances of the interview. Click here to know USMLESarthi Process for ERAS CV and Personal Statement .


ERAS 2027 season begins on June 4, 2026 at 9 AM EST. 
ERAS token is out on June 25, 2026  for the 2027 match season.


​So on this date, you can purchase and register for the ERAS token.

JUL 2026 to SEP 2026

This is the time to ask for letters of recommendation: Most Residency Programs require letters of recommendation from Faculty Members or Physicians who have worked with you. Start asking for these letters early so that you have enough time to gather them before the application deadline. Continue to do UCSE if you do not have enough LORs. We recommend focusing on the research this duration as well to make your ERAS Application standout. 


If you're interested in a research-oriented residency program, start working on your research projects. Reach out to potential mentors or collaborators and start conducting your research.


Sarthi offers an exciting opportunity to do real research! You will get hands-on experience in the steps involved in conducting meaningful clinical research, with the opportunity to publish in PubMed, Scopus (& others) indexed journals, and impact factor journals; as well as abstract manuscripts to be published and then presented at international medical conferences. Click here to know more about research opportunities.


If you have already started the ECFMG certification process, this is a good time to obtain your ERAS token from ECFMG's MyIntealth Applicant Portal and register for MyERAS through the AAMC website.


ERAS application opens: The ERAS application opens on Sept 2, 2026. Residency applicants may begin submitting MyERAS applications to programs at 9 a.m. ET. 


Important point to know is Sept. 23, 2026 Residency programs may begin reviewing MyERAS Applications, MSPEs, and supplemental ERAS application data in the PDWS at 9 a.m. ET. 
​
Submit your application:  Make sure that you've completed all of the required sections of the application, including your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores.
Once it is certified you cannot make any changes to it.  You can start applying for the programs and Sept 24th is the last day for you to apply as the program will start accessing your day by that day.

OCT 2026 to DEC 2026

Next is the Interview season, which typically starts mid-October to December and goes through Jan. This is the most important season for the students. IMGs get interviews starting in September or October. The interview season will continue through December, and also a good time to finish Step 3.


Prepare for interviews: If you receive interview invitations from residency programs, start preparing early. Research each program, practice your interview skills, and make travel arrangements if needed. We recommend beginning interview preparation in August or September. Sarthi also offers mock interviews and interview preparation classes to help students perform confidently during the interview season.

Jan 2027 to Mar 2027

In January, applicants may still receive a few interview invitations. During this time, students must register for the Match through the NRMP website.
Interview season usually concludes by February, after which applicants begin preparing their Rank Order List (ROL).
After completing interviews, applicants must submit and certify their Rank Order List in the NRMP system, ranking residency programs in the order of preference where they wish to train.
Rank Order List entry opens on February 1, 2027, and the certification deadline is March 3, 2027 at 9 p.m. ET.


Rank your choices: Applicants must submit and certify their Rank Order List (ROL) by March 3, 2027 at 9 p.m. ET. Programs should be ranked in the order of preference where applicants wish to train. Sarthi provides personalized guidance to help students prepare their Rank Order Lists. To know more about the ROL tool Click here.


The Match Week 
Match Week for the 2027 NRMP Match will take place from March 15, 2027 to March 19, 2027. During this week, applicants receive important Match results and updates.


On March 15, 2027, applicants will learn whether they have matched into a residency program.


Match Day for the 2027 NRMP Match is on March 19, 2027. On this day, applicants will learn the specialty and residency program where they matched.


We hope this blog helps you plan your Match 2027 journey effectively.
Here are some additional tips for preparing for the match
  • Start early: The earlier you begin preparing for the Match, the better prepared you will be throughout the application season.
  • Make a list of your goals: Think about what you want to achieve during residency. Once you identify your goals, you can create a clear plan to work toward them.
  • Get involved in research: Research experience helps demonstrate your academic interest, commitment to the specialty, and ability to contribute to the field through scholarly work.
  • Build your professional network: Networking with physicians, residents, mentors, and program faculty can help you learn more about residency programs and create valuable professional connections.
  • Prepare for interviews: Practice answering common residency interview questions and work on your communication skills to improve your confidence during interviews.
  • Relax and be yourself: The Match process can be stressful, but it is important to remain calm, confident, and authentic. Residency programs want to know the real person behind the application, so do not try to be someone you are not.
As an IMG, the residency application process can be challenging, but with careful planning, preparation, and consistency, you can improve your chances of matching into a residency program that is the right fit for you.
Good luck with your Match 2027 journey!


If you have any queries email us at customerservice@usmlesarthi.com

Check the Dates in the official websites here:

Everything You Need to Match this season

Residency Match

ERAS CV, PS, Program List, Interview Preparation, Mock Interviews and much more...

Rotation

Choose from a wide range, and best rotation in US with the LOR

Research

Get hands-on experience in the steps involved in conducting meaningful clinical research, with the opportunity to publish in PubMed, Scopus (& others) indexed journals