IMA International

USA: Doctor (IMG) — USMLE & ECFMG Pathway

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking to practice medicine in the United States must obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) sequence. This pathway governs eligibility for entry into the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for accredited residency training, which is mandatory for state medical board licensing.

62%

Success Rate

18–36 Months

$5,000 – $8,500 USD

18–36 Months

Total Duration

$5,000 – $8,500 USD

Estimated Cost

62%

Success Rate

Very Hard

Difficulty Level

Back to All Pathways
Step-by-Step Guide

Your Pathway to Success

Follow these steps to achieve your global medical career

Cost: $160
Duration: 2-4 weeks

Establish an online account via the ECFMG Interactive Web Applications (IWA) system to secure a unique USMLE Identification Number and submit Form 186 for notary verification.

Cost: $1,000
Duration: 6-12 months study

Sit for the 8-hour computer-based testing (CBT) assessing foundational biomedical sciences. Scored strictly on a Pass/Fail metric to evaluate foundational principles.

Cost: $1,000
Duration: 4-8 months study

Pass the 9-hour multiple-choice clinical science evaluation focusing on patient management, diagnostic reasoning, and health promotion principles.

Cost: $925
Duration: 1-2 months

Satisfy the clinical skills and communication verification by applying to one of the six ECFMG pathways, utilizing home country licensure, OSCEs, or university credentials.

Cost: $0
Duration: 2-3 weeks

Upon verification of all medical transcripts, Step 1 and Step 2 CK results, and Pathway approval, receive the official ECFMG certificate validating international qualification equivalence.

Cost: $100
Duration: 6 months

Register with the National Resident Matching Program and apply to ACGME-accredited residency programs via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

Cost: $915
Duration: 2-4 months

Complete the final 2-day computer-based assessment focusing on independent patient management, ambulatory care, and clinical decision-making protocols.

Requirements

What You Need

Essential prerequisites for this pathway

Graduation from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) meeting ECFMG sponsor eligibility criteria
Passing scores on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK within the institutional time frames
Demonstrated clinical English language proficiency via the Occupational English Test (OET) Medicine with minimum scores of 350 in each sub-test
A primary medical degree transcript verified via electronic primary source credentials directly with the issuing school
Resources

Helpful Materials

Downloadable guides and references

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
Access
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
Access
National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
Access
Similar Pathways

You May Also Like

Explore other career pathways

Oman: Clinical Psychologist — OMSB & MOH Pathway

International clinical psychologists must obtain registration via OMSB examinati...

4–8 Months View
Qatar: Clinical Psychologist — DHP-MOPH Pathway

International clinical psychologists must register with DHP-MOPH, complete DataF...

4–8 Months View
Saudi Arabia: Clinical Psychologist — SCFHS Pathway

International clinical psychologists must obtain SCFHS classification via Mumari...

3–6 Months View
Start My Journey