ERAS Application Guide for International Medical Graduates
A step-by-step guide to preparing a competitive residency application, from MyERAS registration and supporting documents to program selection and submission.
By Clerkship Compass Editorial Team • Published October 2026
Understanding the ERAS Application Process
The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), is the primary application platform used by international medical graduates (IMGs) applying to many U.S. residency programs. Through MyERAS, applicants organize their educational background, clinical experiences, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents into a centralized application.
For IMGs, preparing a strong ERAS application involves more than completing the required fields. Applicants must coordinate documentation through ECFMG, understand program-specific eligibility requirements, present their qualifications effectively, and make informed decisions about where to apply.
This guide walks through the major stages of the ERAS application process, from initial registration and document preparation to residency program selection, submission, and application tracking.
The Four Stages of the ERAS Application Process
01
Prepare Your Documents
Obtain your ERAS token, register for MyERAS, and begin gathering your medical school records, letters of recommendation, and other required application materials.
03
Select Residency Programs
Research residency programs based on specialty, IMG eligibility requirements, geographic preferences, and alignment with your professional goals.
02
Build Your Application
Complete your educational history, clinical experiences, personal statement, and supporting information to present a clear picture of your qualifications.
04
Submit and Track
Certify and submit your MyERAS application, assign the appropriate documents to programs, apply before relevant deadlines, and monitor your application status.
How ERAS Works for International Medical Graduates
The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) provides a centralized system for applying to participating U.S. residency programs. Rather than preparing a separate application for every institution, applicants complete a MyERAS application and select the programs to which they want to apply.
For international medical graduates, the process involves coordination between the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which administers ERAS, and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), which serves as the designated Dean's office for IMGs.
Understanding the Roles of AAMC and ECFMG
AAMC and MyERAS: The AAMC operates the application platform, where applicants enter their qualifications, manage personal statements, select residency programs, and submit applications.
ECFMG: ECFMG provides ERAS tokens to eligible IMGs and facilitates the processing of certain supporting documents, including medical school credentials and letters of recommendation.
Residency Programs: Individual programs establish their own eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines. Submitting an application through ERAS does not guarantee that an applicant meets a program's requirements.
ERAS and the NRMP Match Are Different Systems
ERAS is used to apply to residency programs, while the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) operates the matching process for participating programs. Applicants generally register separately for the NRMP Match and must follow its requirements and deadlines.
Understanding this distinction is important because submitting an ERAS application does not automatically register an applicant for the Match.
Obtaining Your ERAS Token and Registering for MyERAS
Before beginning a residency application, international medical graduates must obtain an ERAS token and register for a MyERAS account. The token connects an applicant's eligibility through ECFMG with the AAMC's residency application platform.
Step 1: Obtain Your ERAS Token
International medical graduates obtain their ERAS token through ECFMG's designated applicant services. The token is specific to an ERAS application season and is generally required before an IMG can register for MyERAS.
Applicants should review the current season's ECFMG instructions, confirm their eligibility, and complete any required payment before requesting their token.
Step 2: Register for MyERAS
After receiving the token, applicants can visit the AAMC MyERAS portal and follow the registration instructions.
During registration, applicants establish access to their application, verify their identifying information, and begin preparing the materials they will eventually submit to residency programs.
It is important to use consistent personal information across ECFMG, MyERAS, and other residency application systems to avoid administrative complications.
Step 3: Review the Application Requirements
Before completing the application, review the current ERAS season's applicant instructions and identify the documents and information you will need.
These may include medical school information, educational history, clinical experiences, examination results, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and other supporting materials.
Applicants should also review the requirements of their intended residency programs, as eligibility criteria and document expectations can differ between institutions.
When Should IMGs Begin?
Ideally, applicants should begin preparing several months before residency programs start reviewing applications. Medical school documentation, recommendation letters, and application writing can take considerable time to organize.
Starting early allows applicants to review their information carefully, address missing documents, and avoid rushing through important application decisions.
Completing Your MyERAS Application
The MyERAS application is the foundation of your residency application. It provides residency programs with a structured overview of your medical education, clinical training, professional experiences, research, and other qualifications.
For international medical graduates, the goal is to present an accurate, organized, and compelling account of your preparation for residency training in the United States.
Education and Medical School Information
Enter your medical school details, attendance dates, degree information, and educational history carefully. Ensure that your information is consistent with the records maintained by your medical school and ECFMG.
Applicants should also review any questions concerning interruptions in training, extensions, or other aspects of their educational history and provide accurate explanations where required.
Clinical and Professional Experiences
The experiences section allows applicants to highlight activities that have contributed to their professional development. Depending on their background, these may include:
Clinical training completed outside the United States
Research projects and academic activities
Teaching, tutoring, and leadership roles
Community service and volunteer experiences
Relevant employment and other professional responsibilities
Rather than simply listing responsibilities, applicants should explain their contributions and the significance of each experience.
For U.S. clinical experience, clearly distinguish between hands-on clinical responsibilities and observational activities. Describe what you actually did without overstating your level of patient involvement.
Publications, Research, and Academic Achievements
Applicants with research experience should accurately document relevant publications, presentations, and scholarly activities in the appropriate MyERAS sections.
Use consistent publication details and distinguish between published work, accepted manuscripts, submitted manuscripts, and ongoing projects according to the application's available categories and instructions.
Research can strengthen an application when it demonstrates meaningful academic engagement, but applicants should focus on accurately representing their contributions rather than maximizing the number of entries.
Selecting Your Most Meaningful Experiences
MyERAS allows applicants to identify a limited number of experiences as particularly meaningful. These selections provide an opportunity to explain how specific activities influenced your professional development, interests, or approach to medicine.
Choose experiences that genuinely shaped your preparation for residency. A meaningful experience does not necessarily need to be the most prestigious activity on your application.
Review for Accuracy and Consistency
Before certifying your application, review every section for factual accuracy, consistent dates, spelling, and clarity.
Your MyERAS application should tell a coherent professional story that aligns with your personal statement, supporting documents, and intended specialty. Avoid exaggeration, unexplained inconsistencies, or descriptions that imply responsibilities you did not perform.
Preparing Your Personal Statement and Supporting Documents
A strong ERAS application brings together your personal statement, letters of recommendation, examination results, and medical school records to present a consistent picture of your qualifications.
Writing Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement should explain your interest in your chosen specialty, highlight experiences that shaped your career goals, and demonstrate your readiness for residency training.
Focus on specific experiences and genuine professional motivations rather than repeating your CV. Keep the writing clear, personal, and relevant to the programs you are targeting.
Letters of Recommendation
Choose letter writers who can provide meaningful insight into your clinical abilities, professionalism, communication, and readiness for residency.
U.S. clinical experience may provide opportunities to develop professional relationships with physicians who can evaluate your performance. Request letters early and follow the current ERAS submission procedures.
For more detailed guidance, see our Guide to Obtaining Strong Residency Letters of Recommendation.
Medical School Records and Examination Results
IMGs should coordinate required documents, including medical school transcripts and the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), through the applicable ECFMG processes. Review the procedures for releasing USMLE transcripts and confirm that all required documents are available and appropriately assigned before applying to programs.
In addition to preparing application documents, applicants should ensure they have completed the USMLE examinations required by their target residency programs. Those seeking additional academic support can explore our personalized USMLE tutoring programs, which offer one-on-one preparation for USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3.
Selecting Residency Programs and Submitting Your ERAS Application
Choosing the right residency programs is as important as preparing your application. International medical graduates should research each program's eligibility requirements, including graduation-year restrictions, USMLE expectations, ECFMG certification requirements, visa sponsorship policies, and experience preferences.
Prioritize programs that align with your qualifications, specialty interests, and career goals rather than applying solely based on reputation or location. Applicants can also consult our Guide to IMG-Friendly Residency Programs when researching potential application options.
Before submitting, review your application carefully, confirm that supporting documents are uploaded and assigned appropriately, and verify program-specific deadlines.
Once you certify and submit your MyERAS application, certain information cannot be changed. Remember that applying through ERAS and registering for the NRMP Match are separate processes.
Frequently Asked Questions About ERAS
Can international medical graduates apply through ERAS?
1
Yes. International medical graduates can apply to participating U.S. residency programs through ERAS. IMGs typically obtain their ERAS token through ECFMG and complete their applications using MyERAS.
Do I need ECFMG certification before submitting my ERAS application?
2
Not necessarily. IMGs may be able to submit their ERAS applications before obtaining ECFMG certification. However, individual residency programs may require certification by specific deadlines, and applicants must meet applicable certification requirements for the Match.
Can I make changes to my ERAS application after submitting it?
3
Once you certify and submit your MyERAS application, most application fields cannot be edited. Certain information and supporting documents may still be updated, so carefully review your application before submission.
Build Your U.S. Clinical Experience
Meaningful U.S. clinical experience helps international medical graduates develop clinical knowledge, build professional relationships, and prepare for residency applications.
Explore clinical rotation opportunities across medical specialties and U.S. locations with Clerkship Compass.